When tackling suspension work, a common question arises: Do New Ball Joints Come Pre Greased? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and understanding the nuances can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road. Let’s delve into the world of ball joints and grease to ensure your installation goes smoothly.
The Grease Factor Do New Ball Joints Come Pre Greased
The question of “Do New Ball Joints Come Pre Greased” depends largely on the type and manufacturer of the ball joint. Many modern ball joints, especially those marketed as “greaseable” or “lubeable,” are often shipped with a small amount of grease already inside. This initial lubrication is intended to protect the joint during shipping and handling, and to provide some lubrication during initial operation. However, this initial amount is almost never sufficient for the long-term lifespan of the ball joint. Therefore, even if a ball joint appears to be pre-greased, it’s crucial to add more grease before installation.
Non-greaseable ball joints, also called sealed ball joints, on the other hand, are designed to be maintenance-free and are typically filled with a lifetime supply of grease at the factory. The boot is sealed to prevent grease from escaping and contaminants from entering. These types of ball joints are not designed to be re-greased and attempting to do so can actually damage the seal and introduce contaminants, shortening the lifespan of the joint. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Greaseable Ball Joints: Usually contain some grease but require additional lubrication before installation and regular maintenance.
- Non-Greaseable Ball Joints: Sealed units intended to be maintenance-free. Do not attempt to grease.
Determining whether a ball joint is greaseable is usually straightforward. Greaseable ball joints will have a grease fitting (also known as a zerk fitting) installed, allowing you to inject grease with a grease gun. Non-greaseable ball joints will lack this fitting. Always consult the manufacturer’s documentation or the product description to confirm the type of ball joint you have and the recommended lubrication procedure. Using the incorrect type of grease, or over-greasing, can also damage the ball joint. Using synthetic grease may make the new ball joints last longer. Therefore, doing some research is very important.
To gain even greater insight into this subject, be sure to consult resources from reputable automotive parts manufacturers and suppliers. These resources often provide detailed installation guides, troubleshooting tips, and product specifications that can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s suspension system.