Precision has developed a proprietary testing program integrating suspension dynamics with ISO, ASTM and SAE global standards and publications to validate our designs.

Precision Test Results

Precision Testing program

The Precision Testing Program is an ongoing commitment that validates parts both perform as intended, and are worthy of the Precision stamp of approval. Testing is divided into two key functional areas: Durability Testing and Compliance Testing.

Precision Durability Testing focuses on the durability, performance, and extended wear of our products. Precision focuses on the best possible design as well as best in class components and technology. These tests validate our enhanced designs, and the upgraded components used to construct the Precision brand. The result is a part with an extended service life.

Precision Compliance Testing is focused on ensuring OE fit and function are met or exceeded. These tests are the foundation from which we begin the Precision design process.

Precision Testing

The mandate of the Precision program is to create product that will provide extended service life beyond that available from aftermarket competitors. This series of tests, along with others, validates the enhancements incorporated in Precision’s designs. Measuring results from Axial & Radial play, Swing & Rotational torque, and Ball Stud and Socket Pull-Out and Push-Out strength is how Precision ensures customers can expect the very best in workmanship and durability.

Durability Testing

During these tests, varying loads are applied to a part, while a machine violently twists and rotates the ball stud within the housing. These forces and actions are being applied to the part while Axial & Radial Play and Swing & Rotational Torque are continually measured to determine service life.

Ball Stud Yield - Video

Axial & Radial Play

The Axial and Radial Play tests use SAE J-193 standards to measure resistance to loads that would cause the ball stud to move up and down or from side to side. This type of unwanted movement is a true measure of wear and durability and is what Technicians check for when servicing a vehicle. Any “play” or movement indicates the ball joint requires replacement. Axial & Radial Play measurements are critical to determining the expected service life. Precision designs use upgraded internal components to ensure the part will stand up to the demands of today’s driving environment.

Click on image to enlarge​

LIFE CYCLE DURABILITY TESTING K8695T - Axial PlayMK8695T - Axial Play
LIFE CYCLE DURABILITY TESTING K8695T - Radial Play MK8695T - Radial Play

Rotational Torque and Swing Torque Tests

Rotational Torque and Swing Torque tests use SAE J-193 standards to determine the torque or force required to swing or rotate the ball stud in the housing. When the torque drops off, it indicates the ball joint is becoming loose and the part requires replacement. Rotational and Swing Torque measurements are critical to determining expected service life. Precision designs use upgraded internal components to ensure the part will stand up to the demands of today’s driving environment.

Click on image to enlarge

LIFE CYCLE DURABILITY TESTING K8695T - Rotational Torque Decay MK8695T - Rotational Torque Decay
LIFE CYCLE DURABILITY TESTING K8695T - Swing Torque Decay MK8695T - Swing Torque Decay

Ball Stud and Socket Pull-Out and Push-Out Strength

These tests determine the amount of load, or the point at which, the ball pin would separate from the housing. This test applies a continual load to the ball stud to determine how much force is required to completely remove the ball stud from the housing. The test evaluates overall ball joint strength, and characterizes the effectiveness of the assembly method. This is another critical test that the Precision Engineers rely on to validate the durability of parts. Ball joints that are susceptible to failure in these conditions become loose and the ball stud could separate from the housing.

Click on image to enlarge

This time lapsed video is representative of the ball stud and Socket Pull-Out and Push-Out Strength test methodology.
Pull-Out Result K3185MK3185 - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
Pull-Out Test k6663 MK6663 - 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT
Pull-Out K7399 MK7399 - 2007 Grand Caravan

Compliance Testing

Precision testing procedures require that each part complies with OE fit and function. These tests include Ball Stud Yield, Ball Joint Swing Angles, Ball Stud Impact testing, among others. The combination of these tests is Precision’s way of ensuring that the part will function as originally designed by the OEM, with consideration to the design elements that are unique to each vehicle.

Ball Stud Yield

Precision uses the SAE J-193 Ball Stud Yield Test to measure ball stud strength until failure. Ball studs are designed to have an excessive amount of strength, many times greater than the loading and road forces the vehicle would experience in real life driving conditions. The test applies a progressive load to the ball stud to test strength in normal and peak operating zones. In these areas, no permanent damage will occur and the ball stud should return to its original shape. The load calculation for each of these zones considers the real-life driving conditions associated with potholes, curb strikes, accelerated braking and similar real-world driving encounters. As the ball stud loads continue to increase throughout the test, there will be a point beyond the extreme zone where the ball stud will permanently deform. These loads are considered so extreme, they are not relevant.

Click on image to enlarge

Ball Stud VideoThis time lapsed video is representative of the ball stud yield test methodology.
Ball Stud Yield - MK3185 - 2012 Jeep WranglerMK3185 - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
Ball Stud Yield - MK500008 - 2013 Ford F150MK500008 - 2013 Ford F150
Ball Stud Yield - MK80107 - 2011 Ford EscapeMK80107 - 2011 Ford Escape
Ball Stud Yield - K8695T - 2010 Ford Explorer MK8695T - 2010 Ford Explorer

Ball Stud Impact Strength

Ball studs must be designed to absorb large impact loads. Precision uses the SAE J-193 Ball Stud Impact Test to measure the ball stud’s ability to withstand a severe impact. This test suspends a large weight several feet in the air and drops it directly on the exposed ball pin assembled in a simulated steering knuckle. After the impact has occurred, the ball stud is examined to ensure there are no cracks or fractures in the metal. It is critical that the ball pin perform exceptionally well during this test.

Impact Strength Test video
IMPACT STRENTH TEST – 2012 FORD ESCAPE [MK80107] IMPACT STRENTH
IMPACT STRENGTH TEST – 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD [MK6696]
IMPACT STRENGTH TEST – 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT [MK6663]
IMPACT STRENGTH TEST – 2013 FORD F150 [MK500008]

Testing Partners

Element Logo

Element

Element is one of the world’s leading independent providers of testing, inspection and certification services to a diverse range of industries where failure is simply not an option. Element’s team of over 6,700 experts operate from over 188 locations in more than 30 countries, and deliver an extensive range of materials testing, product qualification testing, inspection, certification and advisory services to the global Aerospace, Automotive & Transportation, Fire & Building Products, Infrastructure & Environmental and Oil & Gas sectors. Element exists to help make certain that the materials and products they test and certify for their customers are always safe, quality, compliant and fit for purpose.

Link Engineering

Link Engineering Company designs and manufactures precision test equipment, and provides comprehensive testing services for Transportation, Off-Highway, Industrial, and Civil Engineering. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan near Detroit, we maintain test laboratories and support facilities throughout the world. Where others either test your components or make test equipment, LINK does both. So you can test in our labs, buy your own system, or mix and match to fine-tune your solution. This unique flexibility delivers the most intelligent, cost-effective results.

Link Logo
CTS Logo

Certified Testing Systems (2009) Inc.

CTS is a leading supplier of Nondestructive testing methods such as Radiography (both X-ray and Isotope/film and digital), Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, Ultrasonic and Visual inspection testing. We also offer Positive Material Identification, Ferrite Testing and Hardness Testing. Our capabilities include testing services both in our lab and in the field by personnel qualified under one or more of CGSB, ASNT, ASNT SNT-TC-1A, CWB, AWS and PED 97/23.  Our company has been ISO 17025 accredited (Cert. No. 2689.01) by A2LA since 2000.  Please refer to our Website, www.certified-testing.com for further information.

Precision

In addition to independent lab testing, in-house testing is also conducted. FARO 3D machines are in integral part of the structural integrity analysis. We also utilize proprietary hub assembly testing equipment and tensile pull out load testing.

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