Apply precise simultaneous loading in three, four or five axes to investigate the durability of tie rod ends and inner, upper and lower ball joints used in passenger cars, SUVs and trucks. Robust and easy-to-use, all MTS Ball Joint Test Systems are engineered to accommodate environmental simulation systems and deliver full SAE J-193 multi-axial test functionality.
Test Specimens
Inner Ball Joints
Upper Ball Joints
Lower Ball Joints
Tie Rod Ends
Key Product Features
Accurate / Repeatable
Integrated differential pressure cells, force transducers and LVDT sensors ensure accurate load and displacement measurements
Durable / Reliable
Robust, fatigue-rated linear and rotary servohydraulic actuators ensure test system reliability and longevity
Versatile
Multi-axial loading and environmental simulation system compatibility enable these systems to meet a full spectrum of ball joint testing requirements
Unmatched Expertise
MTS has been designing and building ball joint test systems for leading manufacturers worldwide for more than 30 years
Model Comparison
3-Axis Test System
Test inner ball joints on the rack side of the steering gear Apply oscillatory, rotation and axial loads to tie rod end ball joint specimens for block cycle testingSingle specimen capacity
4-Axis Test System
Investigate the durability of ball joints for passenger cars, SUVs and trucks Apply simultaneous vertical, lateral, rotational, and oscillatory loads to ball joint specimens for block cycle testing Single specimen capacity
5-Axis Test System
Investigate the durability of ball joints for passenger cars, SUVs and trucks
Apply simultaneous vertical, lateral, longitudinal, rotational, and oscillation loads to ball joint specimens for block cycle testing
Dual specimen capacity
Custom Capabilities
Multi-axis, Multi-purpose
Stud Fatigue, Ultimate Strength
Seal Environmental
SAE J193-specific
Technical Overview
Specifications: 3-Axis inner Ball Joint Test System
Axial Channel
Nominal Force
± kN
15
Nominal Stroke
± mm
25
Nominal Frequency
Hz
30 (@ 1 mm)
Tilt Channel (Alpha Motion)
Nominal Displacement
± deg
35
Max. Frequency
Hz
30
Nominal Motion
± deg
10 (@ 20 Hz)
Rotation Channel (Beta Motion)
Nominal Displacement
± deg
35
Max. Frequency
Hz
10
Nominal Motion
± deg
5 (@ 10 Hz)
Total Weight
kg
~ 1600
System Options:
Environmental Chamber Environmental Conditioner
Safety Enclosure
Specifications: 4-Axis Ball Joint Durability Test System
Vertical Force
kN
50
lbf
11000
Lateral Force
kN
44
lbf
10000
Max Vertical Frequency
Hz
30
Max Lateral Frequency
Hz
30
Oscillation Angle
± deg
30
Rotation Angle
± deg
35
Max Oscillation Frequency
Hz
5
Max Rotation Frequency
Hz
5
System Length
m
~ 1.6
in
~ 64
System Width
m
~ 1.2
in
~ 45
System Height
m
~ 2.0
in
~ 78
System Options:
MTS End-play Measurement System
Environmental Chamber
Environmental Conditioner
Salt/Slurry Package
Fifth Axis Upgrade
Additional Base System
Specifications: 5-Axis Ball Joint Durability Test System
Vertical Force 1
± kN
50
± lbf
11000
Lateral Force 1
± kN
44
± lbf
10000
Longitudinal Force 1
± kN
44
± lbf
10000
Vertical Frequency 2
Hz
40
Lateral Frequency 2
Hz
40
Longitudinal Frequency 2
Hz
40
Stud Oscillation (about Longitudinal)
± deg
30
Stud Rotation (about Vertical)
± deg
40
Oscillation Frequency 2
Hz
5
Rotation Frequency 2
Hz
5
Fixture Footprint
m
2 x 2
in
80 x 80
Overall Height
m
1.5
in
58
Maximum specifications on individual channels; does not represent combined axis loading performance.
Maximum frequency capability; actual frequency varies with displacement amplitude and applied load.
System Options:
MTS End-play Measurement System Environmental Chamber Environmental Conditioner Salt/Slurry Package
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