Hybrid ball stud

A ball joint comprising:

• a housing defining a cavity;
• a liner retained in said cavity and defining a spherical ball socket;
• and
• a hybrid ball stud including a bolt having a head segment and a shank segment, said head segment is partially spherical to define an outer surface engaging an inner surface of said ball socket and a polymeric insert, said bolt extending through said polymeric insert, said polymeric insert being partially spherical to define an outer surface engaging said inner surface of said ball socket wherein said head segment and polymeric insert include surfaces engaging on inner surface of said ball socket.

A suspension system for a motor vehicle comprising:

• a first suspension member;
• a second suspension member;
• and
• a ball joint interconnecting said first and second suspension members, said ball joint including a socket assembly fixed to said first suspension member and defining a spherical ball socket, said ball joint further including a hybrid ball stud comprised of a bolt having a head segment and a shank segment fixed to said second suspension member, and a polymeric insert cooperating with said head segment to define an at least partially spherical ball segment retained in said ball socket, wherein said head segment and polymeric insert include surfaces engaging on inner surface of said ball socket and said bolt extending through said insert such that said insert surrounds a portion of said shank segment adjacent said head segment.