Drive linkage for an automotive windshield wiper system

A drive linkage for an automotive windshield wiper system comprises a crank (10), a link member (14) and at least one ball joint connecting the link member (14) with the crank (10). A ball stud (22) is provided with a ball portion (24) and a shaft portion (26) that has an axis (A1) shifted with respect to an axis (A2) passing through the center of the ball portion (24). A cylindrical mounting hole (28) is provided in the crank (10). For adjustment and assembly, an end of the shaft portion (26) is presented co-axially in front of the mounting hole (28). The ball stud (22) is rotated about the axis (A1) of the shaft portion (26) to a predetermined position with respect to the crank (10). The shaft portion (26) of the ball stud (22) is then press-fitted in the mounting hole (28) while the ball stud (22) is maintained in the predetermined position about the axis of the mounting hole (28).