Grease is used to lubricate moving parts, and it can help prevent wear and tear. It’s especially important for ball joints, which are constantly moving as you drive. The best grease for ball joints is a high-quality synthetic that can withstand high temperatures and heavy loads.
Full Answer
Can you use a grease gun to grease a ball joint?
Most needle attachments come with a plastic sheathe, so leave that on until the zerk is attached to the grease gun. A grease gun – We suggest a hand powered grease gun that will put less pressure on the seal of the ball joint and allow you to monitor how much grease is getting in the joint.
How often do you grease the ball joints?
The rule of thumb is to grease these parts every, or every other, oil change which might seem excessive, but again; little thanks, big job. One concern about greasing ball joints is not wanting to overfill it and bust the seal between the ball joint and the dust boot,...
What are Ballball joints and how do they work?
Ball Joints are the automotive equivalent to the human shoulder. Think of a ball and socket design with a base that mounts onto a control arm, and a stem that fits into the tire/wheel assembly.
What happens if you put Grease in a sealed joint?
The tight tolerances inside the sealed joint do not provide much room for additional lubricant. Forcing grease into the joint may damage the existing sealing surfaces, leading to accelerated loss of lubricant. Some manufacturers will use teflon and other surface treatments to reduce friction and heat.
How do you know if your ball joints need grease?
0:311:53How-To Grease Ball Joints, Tie Rods, and Other Suspension Components.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere it is the bottom side of the ball joint and once you start to see grease squeezing out like itMoreThere it is the bottom side of the ball joint and once you start to see grease squeezing out like it is right there that means you've got plenty of grease in your joint.
What do you use to lubricate ball joints?
You will need a high temp featured grease to work with the ball joint. It will be better to try Lucas Oil 10301 Heavy Duty grease. It is waterproof, temperature stable, and long-lasting.
Should you grease sealed ball joints?
1:132:07How to Grease a Sealed Ball Joint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take this and you actually puncture the boot right in here squeeze some grease in and also onMoreYou take this and you actually puncture the boot right in here squeeze some grease in and also on these small crevices right around here you can put you some more grease.
How much does it cost to grease a ball joint?
Lubricate Ball Joints pricing for various carsCarsEstimateAverage Dealer Price2015 Ford Transit Connect$95$107.502011 Volvo S60$95$107.502014 Toyota Tundra$95$107.502010 BMW 335i$95$107.502 more rows
What happens if you don't grease your ball joints?
Grease is good for noise and maintenance but no amount of it will bring a failed ball joint back to life. If you find that you have a failed ball joint we offer Moog upper and lower ball joints for many makes and models.
How do I stop my ball joints from squeaking?
1:323:46How to Silence a Squeaky Ball Joint (this is an unsafe solution) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe little straw catchment in wd-40 in there and fill up here your ball joint boot with lubricantMoreThe little straw catchment in wd-40 in there and fill up here your ball joint boot with lubricant sotto stopping the awful squeaking creaking sound well let's go ahead take a look.
Do new ball joints come pre greased?
Q: Do ball joints that are sealed come pre greased since there's no way of greaseing them. Sealed ball joints that do not have a grease fitting are lubed for life and are not serviceable and you cannot lube them. These type of joints are greased from the factory and sealed.
How long do ball joints last?
While ball joints may last 70,000 miles or more, they don't last forever. Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt.
Is red grease good for ball joints?
Red 'N' Tacky is the go-to for many mechanics thanks to its ability to work on several parts of the vehicle and the excellent layer of protection it offers. The molybdenum content of this grease makes it an excellent choice for greasing joints.
Are ball joints lubricated?
If the ball joint is capable of being greased, use only the grease that is recommended for the job. Some ball joints come lubricated for life and are therefore incapable of being greased – the paradox though is that they don't usually live very long.
Is it safe to drive with worn ball joints?
Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint? No. You should not drive with a bad ball joint. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.
What happens if a ball joint breaks while driving?
A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they're worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car. A scary thought!
Is Lucas Red N Tacky good for ball joints?
It's hard to give Lucas Oil's Red 'n' Tacky the pick for Best Value as opposed to Best Overall. This grease has a lot going for it and is an excellent multipurpose grease to keep around the shop for lubricating various parts of your car or truck, including the ball joints.
What grease do you use for suspension?
Most experts recommend synthetic grease or heavy-duty lithium for steering and suspension systems. That being said, each model has different needs. For example, some components will perform better with silicone grease that can handle a wide temperature range.
Which grease is best?
These are the three best greases from the current market for your vehicleBest Overall. Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Automotive Grease. Check Latest Price. Summary. ... Best Value. Lucas Oil 10301 Heavy Duty Grease. Check Latest Price. Summary. ... Honorable Mention. Maxima 80916 Waterproof Grease. Check Latest Price. Summary.
How do I lubricate my front suspension?
1:062:49How to - Lubricating Suspension // Supercheap Auto - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe nozzle must completely covered a fitting to ensure the pressure of the gun forces the greaseMoreThe nozzle must completely covered a fitting to ensure the pressure of the gun forces the grease through the fitting into the joint. Add enough grease to see the seal or rubber boot rise slightly.
How often should you lubricate a graspable jerk fitting?
You ought to dependably keep it grease able since graspable jerk fitting ought to be lubed after every 3000 miles or more.
What is an oil jerk needle?
Oil Jerk Needle (for ball joints with jerk fittings) An oil jerk needle connector that will likewise require a needle fitted with an oil jerk that can enter the residue boot and present oil inside the tie bar. Try to grease your ball joints as frequently as you can.
What is a fixed tie bar close?
Fixed tie-bar closes originate from the production line with adequate oil and are secured tight to keep sullies out. However, in the event that you need to revive the oil in your tie-bar closes, you can utilize an oil weapon needle connection to move beyond the residue boot and draw some oil into that part.
Can you use a grease gun on a ball joint?
It is advisable that you use a manual grease gun for ball joints without jerk fittings and a hand powered grease gun for ball joints with grease fittings. The manual grease gun will give you the power to control the quantity of grease that goes in and allow you to know the resistance of the ball joint during the process of greasing it.
Can you continue lubricating after seeing a boot swell?
This is the best alternative not to continue lubing, once you see the boot swell. Because seal that holds that oil in the tie pole end can be endangered if a lot of weight is connected. Subsequently, you are expected to guarantee a visit lubing.
Why use channel lock pliers on ball joints?
These joints can extend the life of the joint and reduce downtime due to repairs. Sealed ball joints have a wear specification of almost zero due to their construction. The old trick of using a pair of channel lock pliers to inspect a joint will only detect a joint that has completely failed.
How many grease fittings are there in a front wheel drive car?
Well, consider that an average front-wheel-drive car has at least 10 possible grease-fitting locations (one each in the lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends, two each in the sway bar links). At ten cents each, there are about a dollar’s worth per vehicle.
Does lubricating a boot damage the seal?
Also, lubricating the joint will destroy the boot due to the pressure of the grease gun. The tight tolerances inside the sealed joint do not provide much room for additional lubricant. Forcing grease into the joint may damage the existing sealing surfaces, leading to accelerated loss of lubricant.
What to look for in grease for ball joints?
The main thing to look for in ball joint grease is staying power. If you're driving a lot or in rough conditions your ball joints have a greater chance of becoming loose due to wear. You want grease that can handle pressure, friction, and the elements without giving up and leaving the inner workings of your ball joints unprotected.
What is Lucas X-Tra grease?
This is quality lithium-based lubricant with additives that make it more resistant to the elements and give it more sticking power and boasts an effective lifespan 4 times longer than regular grease. Great option for any vehicle but really shines in off-road or fleet vehicles, a tough commute, and adverse seasonal weather.
What is grease rated for?
Rated for Ball Joints. Grease is basically oil and a lubricating agent, most often lithium soap. The other additives are what separate one grease from another, making a grease more resistant to water, heat, or seperation.
What is ball joint?
Ball Joints are the automotive equivalent to the human shoulder. Think of a ball and socket design with a base that mounts onto a control arm, and a stem that fits into the tire/wheel assembly. As the control arm moves up and down with changing road conditions, the stem (socket) moves so the wheel assembly stays on the ground.
What does it mean when a ball joint snaps?
While making a slow sharp turn, a worn ball joint will make a snapping sound. Think of the ball being pulled from the socket then released.#N#Likewise, a quick look at your tires may reveal worn ball joints or other front end components. Any uneven wear should merit a trip to the shop for a check over.
How much to fix a ball joint?
Most shops can perform work on ball joints, and turn-around time is same day.#N#In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.
How much does a ball joint cost?
In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.
Can you prevent ball joints from wearing out?
Prevention. There is not much we can do to prevent ball joints, or any other front-end part, from wearing out. Some ball joints come with grease fittings where newer, cleaner grease can be periodically added to tighten up small spaces and lengthen service time, but these fittings are typical of older model cars.
