cap 74 belleville washer 76 is in a slightly conical configuration the preload compression force applied through elastomeric cushion 68 by end closure cap 74 when it is seated within circumferential groove 22 to close posterior opening 16 deforms the belleville washer to a substantially planar configuration increasing the amount of preload force applied to the components within housing 12 turning to fig3 a second alternate configuration of the pivot joint of the present invention is shown in which elastomeric cushion 68 is replaced by a conical compression spring 168 conical compression spring 168 is wound such that the lower portion of spring 168 seated on upper face 72 of upper bearing 68 is disposed apart from pin projection 58 and seated within a recessed channel or groove not shown to prevent radial motion alternatively the lower portion of spring 168 contacting upper face 72 may be wound so as to additionally contact housing 12 conversely the upper portion of conical compression spring 168 is wound in a smaller diameter to simultaneously contact end closure cap 74 and pin portion 58 adjacent face 60 during installation when conical compression spring 168 is enclosed between end closure cap 74 and upper face 72 of upper bearing 62 it is compressed to provide a preload force on upper bearing 62 lower bearing 30 and stud 36 as with elastomeric cushion 68 the conical compression spring is configured to transfer axial loads resulting from axial or lateral forces on stud 36 upward to end closure cap 74 from upper bearing 62 the upper portion of the spring 168 in contact.