Heim Joint/ball joint rod end load ratings?

The axial direction is through the ball bore (assuming the ball is bored). The radial direction is typically in line with the threaded rod or socket. The axial load is sometimes called the ball pullout load. These joints are much stronger in the radial direction than in the axial -- you can imagine them disassembling in the axial direction.

This article explains the usual convention.

Good morning kilo Z71. I offer the following: 1. Don't get the type with hollow rod, nor the ones with a standard zerk fitting. 2. When you do get your new fitting, don't be surprised if there's quite a bit of play at the outer surface of the ball. You may be tempted to ball-peen the sleeve slightly to take up the slack.

That's a temptation I would strongly resist

Both male and female type are used in aircraft and race cars with success. If I received a rod end that had quite a bit of play, I'd send back.

Let me re-phrase my question. I'm worried about the heim failing parallel to the radial axis (or failing in bending), but all heims I can find are only rated through the radial axis. Am I not looking in the right places, or are they only rated in that direction and I'll need to do some testing?

I haven't seen anything from vendors that give bending data. It will likely vary quite a bit depending on how the end is shaped and what it is made out of. You probably can take an assumption that comparing radial load ratings from one part to another is one way to find an end more resistant to bending. The data you get from vendors will likely be limited to radial loading and pull out force of the ball. That's the most that I've ever seen. Heim joints really aren't designed for bending. They are designed to connect two parts that have motion and potentially some degree of misalignment.

I would suspect that testing for your specific application would be required. One thing to look at is the size of the bolt being used to fasten the heim joint assembly into place. That will give you a place to start as far as a limiting piece of the assembly. Then look at the available ratings of the heim joints. If the bolt strength is suspect, then the heim joint may be as well.

The direction of the bend will be important to know. For example, if bending in the direction of the pull-out force limits of the ball, the ball may pull out before any other part of the end yields, depending on how the entire assembly is loaded. If you can find out the material properties and get a cross section of the end, you should be able to do some calculations for either direction. I've found that the radial load numbers can vary greatly from one part number to another and from vendor to vendor. Cast parts tend to vary more than machined parts due to material and process differences.

I don't know who your source is, but I'd look at asking a vendor, such as http://www.midwestcontrol.com/. They do test their ends for radial pull every time they change suppliers. I have not asked them about bending resistance data.

Am I not looking in the right places, or are they only rated in that direction and I'll need to do some testing?

I think you're onto something and maybe the heim joint doesn't facilitate the application.

Please establish the type motion require so a suitable assembly may be recommended.

And please don't tell us what it is