Steering link with buckle portion

摘要

A vehicle steering linkage member ( 40 ) comprises a socket ( 42 ), and a stud ( 10 ) having a ball end portion ( 48 ) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud ( 10 ) has a longitudinal axis ( 52 ), with a shank portion ( 50 ) projecting from the socket ( 42 ) and centered on the axis. The shank portion ( 50 ) of the ball stud ( 10 ) includes a predetermined weakened portion ( 70 ). The predetermined weakened portion ( 70 ) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion ( 70 ) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis ( 52 ).