A ball stud system that provides a ball stud that will not loosen easily under the application of repetitive side loading on the ball portion of the stud. The ball stud is secured to the vehicle steering knuckle arm using the combination of a tapered nut and tapered washer. The tapered nut includes slots and the pin of the ball stud an aperture. A cotter pin may be placed through the slots and aperture in order to further prevent rotation of the nut.