track rod and ball joint, why no grease

macafee2 · 27th January 2018, 12:46

when refitting the track rod end and lower ball joint to the front "stub axle"
why is grease not used? These are moving joints and metal to metal.

thanks

macafee2

Les4048 · 27th January 2018, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by macafee2

when refitting the track rod end and lower ball joint to the front "stub axle"
why is grease not used? These are moving joints and metal to metal.

thanks

macafee2

It’s a tight taper fit so doesn’t move, only the ball joint in the cup moves and it’s loaded with grease

macafee2 · 27th January 2018, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Les4048

It’s a tight taper fit so doesn’t move, only the ball joint in the cup moves and it’s loaded with grease

it moves in the rubber part at the bottom not at the bolt?

macafee2

T-Cut · 27th January 2018, 19:03

The boot is there to stop muck getting into the grease that lubes the ball/seat. There's just enough packed into the ball joint during manufacture to last it's normal service life. This will be shortened if the boot gets damaged. The tapered pin/'bolt' is the mounting and locking system. Tapers won't turn when tightened down.

TC

macafee2 · 27th January 2018, 20:37

thanks Les4048 and TC. I feel stupid, I really thought they turned at the bolt. I can relax as it's been bugging me this afternoon

fool of the week goes to me.

macafee2

trikey · 27th January 2018, 21:11

The next arms I fit, im going to drill and tap a hole and fit grease nipples to the ball joints, I can then see if they last any longer...

rustymotor · 28th January 2018, 07:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

The next arms I fit, im going to drill and tap a hole and fit grease nipples to the ball joints, I can then see if they last any longer...

In the good old days a lot of components had grease points and a grease gun was part of your tool kit

Les4048 · 28th January 2018, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by macafee2

thanks Les4048 and TC. I feel stupid, I really thought they turned at the bolt. I can relax as it's been bugging me this afternoon

fool of the week goes to me.

macafee2

No one is a fool by asking a question, no one can possibly know everything and I bet your question has answered something that many other wanted to know but were too frightened to ask.

Les4048 · 28th January 2018, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikey

The next arms I fit, im going to drill and tap a hole and fit grease nipples to the ball joints, I can then see if they last any longer...

For all the price they are is it really going to be worth the effort. I can see you doing it with your mechanical knowledge but if the man in the street tried it they could make a right mess of it. We have self tapping grease nipples which would make it easier after drilling an 1/8 hole

Jim Jamieson · 28th January 2018, 09:02

When I replaced my drop links I looked inside the rubbers and found they had barely any grease in them.
I packed as much grease as I could then refitted the rubber. Those drop links lasted a whole lot longer as a result.

27th January 2018, 12:46	#1
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,931 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	track rod and ball joint, why no grease when refitting the track rod end and lower ball joint to the front "stub axle" why is grease not used? These are moving joints and metal to metal. thanks macafee2

27th January 2018, 19:03	#4
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	The boot is there to stop muck getting into the grease that lubes the ball/seat. There's just enough packed into the ball joint during manufacture to last it's normal service life. This will be shortened if the boot gets damaged. The tapered pin/'bolt' is the mounting and locking system. Tapers won't turn when tightened down. TC Last edited by T-Cut; 27th January 2018 at 19:05..

27th January 2018, 21:11	#6
trikey Premium Trader Rover 75 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 33,774 Thanks: 8,837 Thanked 14,831 Times in 8,030 Posts	The next arms I fit, im going to drill and tap a hole and fit grease nipples to the ball joints, I can then see if they last any longer... __________________ Lest we forget..

27th January 2018, 20:37	#5
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,931 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	thanks Les4048 and TC. I feel stupid, I really thought they turned at the bolt. I can relax as it's been bugging me this afternoon fool of the week goes to me. macafee2

28th January 2018, 09:02	#10
Jim Jamieson This is my second home Rover less ! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tarbolton Posts: 3,442 Thanks: 393 Thanked 888 Times in 542 Posts	When I replaced my drop links I looked inside the rubbers and found they had barely any grease in them. I packed as much grease as I could then refitted the rubber. Those drop links lasted a whole lot longer as a result.