Problem trying to lube new ball joints

[Greg S.]

Can't get chassis lube into zerk fitting on upper or lower ball joint. When I pump the grease gun lube piles up around fitting. The ball joints are new reproduction type from large vendor. Does the cars weight need to be on the suspension to get grease in? The grease gun seems to fit loosely on the zerk fitting. Is the zerk fitting too small? Didn't have a problem with the tie rod ball joints which are original.

[Leif A.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Most reproduction ball joints have "fake" grease zerks...non functional. The ball joints are greased at the factory and sealed...never needing grease again. That should be mentioned with the paper work that came with them.

[Mark E.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Most reproduction ball joints have "fake" grease zerks...non functional. The ball joints are greased at the factory and sealed...never needing grease again. That should be mentioned with the paper work that came with them.

If you confirm your joints should be greased, try installing another zerk. Sometimes you get a bad one.

Have we come to the point where riveted ball joints with fake zerks are considered more original than bolt-on joints with real zerks...?

[Greg S.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

I was able to grease the other upper ball joint so it appears they can take grease. It has a zerk that seems to be larger and fit the grease gun better. I guess I will have to call the supplier. Neither lower ones will take grease. I do not know what is going on.

[Keith B.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Who is the supplier?

[Greg S.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Corvette Central

[Mike E.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Corvette Central

The lowers I got from CC were fake zerks. The uppers from LIC are also fake, not really impressed with either.

Will see how they hold up if I ever get my car done.






Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

I purchased ball joints and tie rod ends from my local NAPA store. They feature honest to god zerks with joints that can be greased, have a lifetime warranty (!) and were incredibly affordable. My store offers 30% off the first Saturday of every month... that made them less than half the price of the Corvette part stores not counting their shipping costs.

Also, there's just something about the ritual of changing oil, filters, filling grease seals through zerks, and poking around the car looking for other maintenance issues. It adds a level of understanding between me and my old car...

[Greg S.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

Purchased new zerk sand was able to grease the ball joints. The zerk that came with the ball joints are worthless. Makes me wonder about the quality of the ball joints. I wish I had used Moog ball joints but the NCRS correct affliction got the best of me. See picture of new and as supplied zerk.

[Bill L.]

Re: Problem trying to lube new ball joints

The lowers I got from CC were fake zerks. The uppers from LIC are also fake, not really impressed with either.

Will see how they hold up if I ever get my car done.






Mike

Both the Corvette Central and Americas Finest (That is where LIC gets their ball joints from or at least did get them from) are made in China. Americas Finest represents that their ball joints are 100% correct per NCRS. (Your picture says it all) I spoke with both vendors and asked why, if you were going to reproduce something, why not make it like the originals. They had to have a cast made to begin with so why not make that part right. They just kinda shrugged and said this is good enough. I even suggested that most guys would be more than happy to pay double or triple the prices for a correct quality reproduction. I know I would gladly pay $300 for correct parts versus $70-$80 for a part that is incorrect.

This kinda stuff makes me go a bit nuts when something like even a zerk does not work


Bill