Ball-and-socket joint and universal shaft

A drive shaft comprising a first gearbox side joint, which is connected to a first shaft section, a second differential side joint, which is connected to a further shaft section, and at least one central joint, which is connected to the first shaft section and to a further shaft section, wherein at least the gearbox side joint and the differential side joint are ball joints each comprising an inner hub and outer hub, in each of which tracks are arranged in pairs, wherein at least one ball is disposed in each pair of tracks between the outer hub and inner hub in order to transmit torque between the inner and outer hubs, and wherein at least one boot made from a rubber-elastic material is provided for sealing the outer hub relative to a connecting section connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the inner hub;

• said outer hub comprising an inner element made of metal and containing a track of each pair of tracks, a damping element provided in the outer hub at least partly surrounding the inner element, and a cap surrounding at least part of the damping element where the outer hub is connected to a driving or driven component;
• and wherein the damping element is comprised of a material having a modulus of elasticity which is lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metal from which the inner element is made and of the cap of the outer hub, and which is greater than the modulus of elasticity of said boot.