Method for clearance adjusting cover plate closure

A method of forming a socket, the method comprising:

• providing a housing having a central bore, the central bore including at least one open end having a counterbore defining a circumferential seat adjacent said open end;
• providing one or more joint components, including a stud;
• providing a deformable cover-plate, said cover-plate having an outer diameter sized to seat within said counterbore on said circumferential seat;
• inserting said stud and joint components into said central bore;
• placing said cover-plate over said joint components at said open end of said central bore, said cover-plate seating on said circumferential seat;
• deforming a circumferential sidewall of said housing adjacent to said counterbore in a radially inward direction, capturing a peripheral edge of said cover-plate;
• and
• applying a controlled load to said captured cover-plate, said controlled load plastically deforming said captured cover plate into a desired configuration and engaging said captured cover-plate into pressed contact with said circumferential seat;
• wherein said stud and joint components are retained within said central bore by said captured and deformed cover-plate.