Disclosed herein is a slotted entry ball and socket swivel bearing joint including an outer race member having a race axis and having an axially extending entry slot, an inner race member, and a plug which has an outer surface with a shape complementary to the shape of the entry slot, which is selectively inserted into the slot, and which has an inner concave surface that, when the plug is inserted in the slot, lines up with the race surface of the outer race member to complete the race surface of the outer race member.