Theory
A ball joint is used for allowing free movement in two planes at the same time, including rotating in those planes. Combining two such joints with control arms enables motion in all three planes, allowing the front end of an automobile to be steered and a spring and shock (damper) suspension to make the ride comfortable.
Unlike a kingpin suspension, this allows for adjusting the camber and caster of the wheel suspension. Both systems allow adjustment of the toe angle. This ability to fine tune the suspension allows manufacturers to make the automobile more stable and easier to steer, compared to the older kingpin style suspension. The smoother ride also increases tire tread life, since the ball-joint suspension allows the vehicle to be adjusted to track in a level fashion.
Read more about this topic: Ball Joint
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