Ball and socket joint protective cap

A ball and socket joint protective cap is provided for covering the pin-shaped partial area (7) of a completely mounted ball and socket joint. At least two hollow cylindrical sections (12, 13) of different diameters are arranged adjacent in the axial longitudinal direction of the ball and socket joint protective cap (11). The section (12) with the larger diameter is arranged at the end of the ball and socket joint protective cap (11) that is to be attached to the joint housing (1). For the better protection of the completely mounted ball and socket joint with the ball and socket joint protective cap (11) attached, the ball and socket joint protective cap has a transition area (16) extending essentially at right angles to the axial longitudinal direction of the ball and socket joint protective cap (11) in the transition of the hollow cylindrical sections (12, 13), wherein the dimension of the diameter of the smaller hollow cylindrical section (13) of the ball and socket joint protective cap (11) is only slightly larger than the dimension of the covered conical receiving section (8) of the pivot pin (3) of the ball and socket joint. Displacement of the sealing bellows (5) of the ball and socket joint in the direction of the arrows P is achieved due to this special design during the attachment of the ball and socket joint protective cap to the pin-shaped partial area of the pivot pin, as a result of which the pressing forces are increased in the area of the contact surface between the sealing bellows (5) and the pivot pin (3).