Darrylmcl

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,

2000 Civic SE

Just got new ball joint and tie rod ends... I've heard that both should have grease in them in order to help lubricate the internals. Under close inspection I've confirmed that neither of them have grease.

(whilst looking for info on the net, most forums say that newer cars don't often have greased ball joints anymore)

Do my ball joints/tie rod ends need grease? and if so... where can I get some and how do I go about getting it in there now?

Thanks in advance,
Darryl

MPR

If they come with no grease nipple and no threaded hole for a grease nipple, then they are 'sealed/greased for life' ball joints and they do not require reagular greasing. They are greased and sealed from the factory.

Darrylmcl

iTrader: (2)

Pardon my ignorance... under further inspection it does appear that the ball joints have grease, though the tie rod ends look and so much as feel empty. just curious before I start installing.

99_SI

As MPR said most new parts come pre-greased and preloaded and do not required any lube unless they have grease fittings.

D.T.P

3rd that. It is all sealed up with required grease in there.
Make sure you go for alignment after replacing those parts.

JDMej1

yeah as long as theres no threads for a grease fitting, or a grease fitting, then its "greased for life". x2 on the allignment after installation.

Darrylmcl

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys... ya alignment is in order as well.
Does anyone know of an affordable place to get the balljoints done? I've done tie rods before so no worries there... Im also doing the upper control arms next weekend but wont be able to get the balljoints out the knuckle.

MPR

You should be able to get the ball joints to pop out. If it won't come out with just hitting it with a hammer, you may have to heat the knuckle (try not to heat the ball-joint itself...just the knuckle around it) and then a tap with a hammer, it should pop right out.

Good luck.

Darrylmcl

iTrader: (2)

Thanks... quick question though. The ball joint sits directly below the drive axle, how do I go about removing the axle to get to the ball joint. Also is it recommend that I place the new ball joint in the knuckle the same way I took it out. (ie... heat and hammer)

MPR

I believe if you remove the tie rod end and upper ball joint as well as the center nut holding the axle in the hub first. that should allow room to let the spindle fall forward and pull the axle out the back and set it aside. That should give you room to remove the lower ball joint.

When you put it back together you don't have to heat or hammer anything. Just do up the nut and when you tighten it, it will seat into the tapered hole. I can't remember if the ball joints and tie rod ends have codder pins in them or not. If they do, remember to put new ones in.

Darrylmcl

iTrader: (2)

wow.. what fun, got it off, but man was it a PITA. Didnt get the ball joint out of the knuckle but gave it to a friend to press out and in the new ones. Just getting the ball joint to separate from the control arm was hassle enough. had to heat the thing up while having a jack underneath it and hammering the control arm downwards. So much fun!

These are the times when people say get rid of your car, buy a new one... I think, no freaking way, my blood, sweat and Man tears are in that thing, no way Im just letting her go without a dieing fight. I'll run her into the ground before I let her go

chris_v2

Next time just buy a pickle fork.. lol

MPR

Indeed. Extremely effective with an air hammer.