BALL JOINT WON'T TAKE GREASE

[Rob A.]

Any recommendations for a ball joint that won't accept grease. The fitting itself checks out O.K. (I switched it with one of the others). I removed it and checked for blockage. I'm using a "mini grease gun" that worked fine on all the others.

[Duke W.]

Re: BALL JOINT WON'T TAKE GREASE

Is it up in the air? If the ball joints are loaded with the car on the ground, they will be hard to grease.

Duke

[Rob A.]

Re: BALL JOINT WON'T TAKE GREASE

It is on stands, frame with complete suspension only. Spindle rotates, but slightly stiffer than the other side, where both upper and lower ball joints filled with grease.

[Chuck S.]

Re: BALL JOINT WON'T TAKE GREASE

Rob, in my past experience, when a ball joint won't take grease as you describe, the ball joint is worn to design retirement. I wouldn't take a board poster's word for it. I think I would seek a TRUSTED on-scene professional opinion (hint: front end parts are always ready for replacement at some department and tire stores). That doesn't mean you have to let them change it if you prefer the original "riveted" look.

[Chuck S.]

Additional...

Check the GM chassis service manual for your year...it will provide methods for diagnosing worn ball joints.

[Rob A.]

Re: Additional...

Actually, the lower ball joint that won't take grease is on an NOS lower arm with a factory rivetted ball joint, so hopefully the problem will rectify itself. I'll try a more powerful grease gun rather than the "mini".

[John Lokay]

Re: BALL JOINT WON'T TAKE GREASE

Is it commmon practice to get the front of the car off the ground prior to greasing the ball joints? I assume that generic chassis grease is okay to use?

[Rob A.]

BIGGER GREASE GUN DID THE TRICK

Bigger gun, more pressure, problem solved (so much for the "mini gun".

[William V.]

Re: Like a Bigger Hammer *NM*

[Terry M.]

sometimes size does matter *TL*

Good that the bigger gun worked. You could have gone to a shop with an air powered grease gun if you needed nuclear power type force, but such a tool in the hands of the unskilled can do more harm than good.
In general the mini guns will work fine. They usually provide enough pressure. One usually doesn't need a whole lot of pressure, and where lubricating suspension parts, more grease is not always better. One doesn't want to "blow out" the grease seals. Just put in enough grease to see the ball joint seal begin to expand a little - then stop. With the tie rod and idler arm fittings the application is the same.