Ball joint, and ball joint production method

Abstract

A ball joint and production method thereof that ensure that grease retainers are provided on the entire contact surface of a resin sheet between an outer surface of a round head of a ball stud and the contact surface to properly maintain lubrication between the round head and the resin sheet. Graphite particles are dispersed over an inner surface of the resin sheet, and the resin sheet and the round head of the ball stud are inserted in a housing. An open end portion of a housing body is swaged to be reduced in diameter. The graphite particles are pressed against the inner surface of the resin sheet, whereby portions of the inner surface of the resin sheet against which the graphite particles abut are depressed. Thus, gaps are formed around the respective graphite particles. Grease enters the gaps, which each function as a grease retainer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.