Sometimes, drivers may have a question about how to lubricate the ball joint. This topic is usually raised when there are knocks in the suspension caused by the production of regular lubricant. As a rule, it is the absence of a lubricant that leads to the need to replace this suspension element. The use of additional greases extends the service life of the support by 2 times. Moreover, with the presence of a special tool, as well as minimal skills in car repair, every motorist can cope with the restoration of the ball joint. The main thing is to choose the right type of lubricant to solve this problem.
Support structure
How to lubricate the ball joint? Before answering this question, it is advisable for you to familiarize yourself with the structure of this part. Then you will be able to understand more clearly how to properly lubricate the knot. The main element here is a ball joint with a finger. It rests on the base, from above the structure is covered with an anther. It is stuffed into the base and under the anther a large number of grease. It is calculated for the entire period of validity of this structural element.
During operation, the hinge is constantly shifting relative to the base, the lubricant is slowly produced, and during long periods of downtime, it simply dries. Therefore, knocks gradually begin to appear. If you do not pay attention to this sign, then backlashes begin, and the part becomes unusable due to high output.
What is lubricated with?
As a rule, various lithium-based greases are used for ball joints. These compositions perfectly cope with the high loads that arise during the operation of the ball joint. It is necessary to understand that it is worth choosing such substances correctly. The composition of lithium greases are derived from petroleum oils.
During the manufacturing process, the oil is thickened by adding lithium soap. This allows you to achieve the best consistency. At the same time, the combination of petroleum oil with fatty acids of lithium soap has an additional preservative effect. In practice, there are several varieties of this type of lubricant. They differ in the ratio of oil and lithium soap in the composition, as well as additional additives. The most common options are:
- . This is perhaps the most common option among drivers. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this lubricant has a good temperature range, which allows it to be used almost throughout our entire territory. Due to the presence of stabilizing additives, the grease lasts for a long time, providing reliable protection from any negative factors. It should be especially noted that Litol-24 is not afraid of any temperature changes, so you should not worry that when driving through snow or water, the ball will remain unprotected;
- . This grease is less commonly used in ball bearings. Compared with Litol, it has a lower threshold of permissible temperatures. It does not freeze even at minus 60 C. Therefore, it is often used in the regions of the far north. Although CIATIM has lower technical specifications, in comparison with Litol, resistance to low temperatures is an advantage. Also, this lubricant has a lower cost.
If you go to the store to buy ball grease, then you should not buy expensive compounds from well-known manufacturers. Usually, they are practically no different from cheaper counterparts. Therefore, you can freely take the simplest Litol-24, and not bother. But, be sure to look at the composition. Calcium lubricants are always more expensive. Therefore, if you want to opt for calcium lubricants, then get ready to spend a little more money.
When choosing substances, it is desirable to pay attention to machine operating conditions. If you are experiencing extreme temperatures, then it is better to take a lubricant that can work at such low temperatures. This will reduce the level of wear of parts when working in winter time. In other cases, there are no special features when choosing.
The work itself
To extend the life of the suspension, it is recommended that at the first manifestations of ball bearing knocks, it is imperative to check this assembly. If there are no noticeable backlashes, then it is enough to renew the lubricant in the support. To do this, you will need a special syringe. It is inexpensive, taking into account the average cost of ball bearings, this money is beaten off quite quickly. Also, on some models of machines, you may need a drill and a device for cutting threaded fragments. Well, if there are vices. In some cases, ball lubrication can be done directly on the car, but this is not always justified, because it is very difficult to ensure the cleanliness of the procedure.
First, remove the ball joint from the car. Here you will find instructions for repairing your car. On all models, this work has its own characteristics, so it is better to clarify these nuances so that there are no problems in the future. After dismantling, inspect the ball joint. We are interested in the base of the part. On many models, there is a nipple for adding extra hinge lubrication. This will allow you to update the working composition without much difficulty.
In this case, do in the following way:
- We clamp the support in a vice, just do it carefully;
- Unscrew the lubrication nipple. Depending on the model, you will need a key or pliers;
- Draw up a sufficient amount of lubricant into the syringe. After that, you can enter the desired amount of substance inside the part;
- We tighten the protective cork, it is advisable to move your finger, it should move much tighter than it was before.
It will be a little more difficult in the case of an unattended support. On some foreign cars, it is not possible to add a new portion of lubricant. In this case, you will need to use a drill:
- The support is clamped in a vice, after which a hole is made in the base with a thin drill;
- It is threaded;
- Next, grease is added using a syringe;
- A suitable bolt is screwed into the hole.
Conclusion. As a rule, many knocks in the suspension can be caused not by wear of parts, but by the lack of lubrication in them. Therefore, the question of how to lubricate the ball joint is not something surprising. Lubrication in this hinge assembly is developed much earlier than the failure of the entire part occurs. Therefore, the best option would be self-lubrication of the support. This will significantly reduce the cost of servicing your car, because you can increase the service life of the ball joint by 2 times.
A variety of extraneous noises that irritate the driver so much when driving often have the same cause - insufficiently lubricated ball joints (SHO). Should we treat this as an unfortunate inevitability, or is it better to lubricate the supports? Each driver decides for himself, but there are proven recommendations based on practical experience. It is preferable to follow them if you do not want to spend extra money due to problems with such an important part of the car as ball joints.
Lubricate or not?
Do ball joints need to be lubricated before installation and during operation? To give the correct answer, it is worth understanding the principle of the device of any of these supports. It can be arranged in different ways, but it must have a ball joint, as well as a finger. The base serves to stop the hinge, the anther covers the support from above.
During operation, the hinge constantly shifts, which contributes to its rapid wear. In addition, dirt often accumulates in the empty space between the base and the boot, which interferes with the operation of the part. An alarming sign in this case is the appearance of knocks and squeaks. To prevent this from happening, the space under the anther must be completely clogged with auto-lubrication. It is very important to know how best to lubricate the ball bearings for their most durable functioning.
What to lubricate?
How to lubricate the ball joint before installation? The most common options are:
- lithium based;
- calcium based.
Litol-24 and CIATIM-201 are popular among lithium auto-lubricants. They contain oil and lithium soap in different proportions, they also differ in the composition of additional additives.
The stabilizing substances present in Litol-24 ensure good safety of the hinge and low lubricant consumption during its operation. However, this auto-lube does not tolerate low temperatures well. CIATIM-201 stabilizes SHOs to a lesser extent, but it protects them better from frost, and it costs less.
Expensive lithium-calcium and calcium greases ( different kinds Shell Gadus, Grease Calcium, etc.) are recommended for high loads on parts, as well as when they work in extreme temperature conditions.
So what kind of grease to lubricate the ball bearings? It depends on the following factors:
- degree of intensity of the load;
- temperature;
- prices.
Based on these factors, for an ordinary driver operating his car on asphalt roads in conditions middle lane, lithium auto-lubricants are best suited as an acceptable compromise between price and quality. While in extreme conditions, calcium and lithium-calcium greases are more suitable.
When to lubricate?
SHO is required to be lubricated before factory installation. However, in a number of cases, especially when it comes to machines of "domestic assembly", this requirement may not be met. In addition, the displacement of the hinge during the operation of the vehicle leads to the consumption of lubricant. The amount of lubricant decreases and during downtime - it dries out. That is why it is recommended to add lubricant not only during installation, but also periodically, after a certain period of operation. But how do you know when a part needs to be relubricated?
All malfunctions of the SHO are already on early stages are easily identified by ear, although modern diagnostics may be needed in the future. The first alarm signal for the driver is knocking and squeaking while driving. If they are heard precisely in those places where the SHO is located, then it is this node that must be checked first of all. If there is no noticeable play, a timely update of auto-lubrication will be a sufficient measure.
Experience shows that if one ball began to “knock”, it is better to lubricate them all, since they have the same resource.
How to lubricate?
How to lubricate ball joints yourself? On most modern models cars, SHO lubrication is carried out using a special syringe. The price of this tool is low and quickly pays off, if you take into account the cost of parts that its use protects. In this case, the lubrication procedure is extremely simple and does not require not only special skills, but even elementary knowledge of a drill. However, this process is far from being so easy in all cases.
On a range of vehicles inner part SHO with a single syringe is not available. And this means that you will have to cut the missing threaded fragments into parts. Here you can not do without a drill and an appropriate nozzle for metal carving. Another necessary tool for this is the usual locksmith vice to fix the removed part. However, there is nothing here that the car owner could not do on his own, at home.
Even though it is possible to lubricate the ball joints directly on the body of the car, doing so is usually not recommended due to the fact that this is a dirty job and can stain the body. Each specific car model has its own characteristics, but general principle is the same everywhere. It is quite possible to remove the SHO without the appropriate devices, resting the crowbar while the assistant knocks it out with a sledgehammer. However, it is better to use a special puller, as it is much more convenient and does not threaten physical injury due to negligence.
Further depends on the design of the support. If the hinge is equipped with a nipple into which lubricant can be added, then there is no problem with a syringe. You only need to do the following:
- clamp the part with a vice;
- unscrew the nipple with a key or pliers;
- inject grease with a syringe into the opened hole;
- close the nipple by tightening the protective plug.
Video instruction (the case when there is a technological hole).
On those vehicles where the addition of lubrication is not provided, you have to use a drill and a threading device. In this case, it is necessary:
- clamp the part in a vice;
- using a thin drill, drill a hole in it;
- cut a thread in it;
- pour lubricant into the hole with a syringe;
- close the hole with a suitable threaded bolt.
Sometimes, if there are no suitable tools at hand, it is still necessary to find a way to lubricate the ball joint without removing it. The sequence of actions is the same:
- the anther is hooked with a sharp object;
- the edge of the gap formed is moved away with the help of improvised means;
- grease is poured into the slot using a syringe.
Video (lubrication with a syringe).
If you do not want to spend time on independent lubrication, you can use the service of any car service.
Examples from the experience of car owners.
Oleg:
“If you have a Lada Granta, lubricating the ball joint is not so easy. It's all about the anther, which compresses the metal ring from below, which makes it difficult to remove it. First, I needed a small flat screwdriver, which I used to pry off the boot. Then I had to use two Phillips screwdrivers different sizes to widen the gap. When it was wide enough for the spout of the syringe, I squeezed lithol into it.
Evgeniy:
“If the ball joints are not equipped with plugs, grease guns must be used. A grease gun is bought, and lithol is poured with a syringe until the lubricant begins to flow from under the anther.
Yuri:
“If the ball joint has to be disassembled, it is better to fill it with light fuel oil, which does not contain graphite. This is necessary, because the factory grease can thicken and without an additional portion of fuel oil under the boot, everything will become clogged with water and dirt.
Spherical bearing is an important suspension unit that provides the ability to rotate the wheel hub while maintaining its horizontal position. Structurally, the ball joint consists of two main elements: a cone-shaped pin with a spherical tip and a body in which there are necessary working holes. The finger is installed in such a way that it can rotate and swing at small angles. The assembly housing is bolted to the suspension arm or pressed into it. To ensure rotation, plastic inserts are placed in the case, which occupy free space up to the finger. Lubricant for ball bearings (if provided) is placed both directly into the housing cavity and onto the spherical tip of the pin.
Causes of breakdowns of the ball joint
During the operation of the car, serious loads fall on the ball bearings, which, depending on the design of the suspension, can take on a significant part of the mass of the car, as well as shocks when driving on uneven pavement. The main reason for replacing the ball joint and disrupting its normal operation is the wear of the contacting metal surfaces during friction, which leads to a noticeable backlash: the finger begins not only to rotate, but also to move; in the worst case, it breaks out of the case. The causes of wear can be related to both natural processes(aging of metal and other materials), and with an increase in specific loads on the mechanism, a rupture of the anther or a lack of lubrication in the hinge. Lubrication of the ball joint should be carried out at each repair or replacement of the assembly. Often, manufacturers indicate their recommendations for lubricating the mechanism, which allows you to maximize the life of the part and avoid violating the installation and operation rules.
Lubricant for ball joints
The ball joint is usually lubricated with lithium soap thickened lubricants. Lithium greases were developed as early as the 1940s, have been in production since the 1970s and are still widely used today due to their versatility, optimum averages and low price. The most famous greases from this family are Litol-24, SHRUS-4 and SRB-4. However, the technology for the production of lubricants does not stand still, and modern manufacturers bring to market improved lubricants, designed with new research and technology in mind, while keeping the price at an affordable level. NPP Mapsol LLC offers several similar products designed for use in a wide range of components of both automotive and other equipment. Our lubricants are produced on the basis of "Litol-24" with the addition of an additive package that significantly improves the properties of the base lubricant. "MAPSOL-100" grease can be used in automotive components operating at temperatures up to +200°C, has good anti-friction and anti-wear properties, and is resistant to water washout. Lubricant for ball bearings "MAPSOL-200" withstands higher temperatures and is designed for heavy-duty industrial sliding and rolling friction units of vehicles.
Before installing the ball joint, grease is placed under the protective cover with a layer of 1:25 mm. To prevent the ring from turning, the threaded part is lubricated with a layer 0.5 mm thick.
Lubrication of ball bearings consists in wiping the grease fitting, installing a syringe (if necessary, you can “(“ use an adapter) and carefully squeezing the lubricant into the bearing. Now you will see how to do it correctly.
1. Understand how many lubrication points your machine has and where they are located. See the previous section “Looking for lubrication points”.
2. Wipe the first grease fitting and try to put a syringe on it. Happened? If not, then you will need an adapter. Do you have it? If not, then you will need an expander.
3.Fill the syringe with grease.
To do this, you will need the lubricant used for the suspension.
4. Move the syringe to the lubricator and carefully squeeze out some grease (5).
Never clog bearings with grease to the eyeballs. The amount of grease can be checked by squeezing the ball joint boot. It shouldn't be tight. When the boot is firm and full, squeeze some lubricant outward if there is a hole in this type of support. But if this support is of a sealed type, then you need to fill the cover completely. If the boot looks full, don't add any lubricant at all and move on to the next support.
5. Repeat steps. 2 and 4 until you have serviced all supports.
6. If you have overdone the lubrication of the sealed bearing, use a suitable socket wrench to unscrew the grease fitting (counterclockwise). Squeeze out some grease and screw the grease fitting back in.
Dealing with a retouched hinge - V, is not the most pleasant experience; be careful and squeeze out the grease in small portions. I know because I've had to deal with it. How difficult it is to deal with that slippery little grease fitting.
7. If one of the covers burst, it must be replaced immediately.
The parts that the covers protect are very important, so if you do not change them, after a short drive on a non-functioning support, you will have to pay a lot of money for repairs (or even completely lose control of the car).
When buying a new car, ask the maintenance manager. does this model have weak points where it would be nice to put an additional grease fitting. My car had a couple extra
installed, it is convenient and inexpensive. If you constantly hear some kind of squeak while driving, ask if it will disappear if you install a grease fitting in that place.
Technologically, it is provided so that the suspension includes a steering gear, but it seems to me that, guided by them functional purpose, it is better to separate these two systems. Therefore, try to think of the steering as a system serving the horizontal direction of movement (left and right), and the suspension as a system serving the vertical direction of movement (up and down). The following sections explain how to lubricate the hangers. (If the suspension system knocks on its own, you should contact a professional.)
Spring lubrication
To absorb shocks and keep your car level are used different types springs. It can be coil spring, leaf spring, torsion bar or air spring. Some cars have leaf springs on the rear wheels and springs on the front. Executive cars, trucks and buses have air suspension systems. More detailed information on suspension types in Chapter 11, “Steering and Suspension, or What makes a ride enjoyable.” Now you will learn what you need for lubrication and how to properly lubricate the suspension, depending on its type.
Leaf springs. The leaf springs are attached to the vehicle frame at each end, allowing them to move freely. This mount usually has a rubber bushing which allows the mount to rotate easily and also absorbs vibration energy and prevents the spring from “reaching” into the passenger compartment (6). Between the leaf springs are pieces of plastic called an anti-squeal plastic washer that can be lubricated with suspension grease to prevent noise as the leaf rubs against each other during shaking.
Spring springs. They look like springs on old-fashioned sofas. Most often, the springs are installed in the front of the car, but there are models in which they are installed both front and rear (7 and 8 show the location of ball joints and bushings on spring springs).
Sometimes spring springs have rubber gaskets in the upper and lower parts. If the springs make a lot of noise, you can lubricate them at the top and bottom. Use a sprayer to apply lubricant.
torsion shaft. This type of springs is widely used in sports and trucks. Usually they are located parallel to the frame and accumulate to the control levers from one end, and from the other - to the transverse structural element (9). The torsion shaft does not require lubrication. They can be adjusted; if your vehicle is raised too high or too low, the height can be adjusted by turning the adjusting bolt.
Air suspension. This type of suspension relies on the use of compressed air to maintain ride comfort and vehicle body height. With the built-in computer that signals the weight, compressed air can be added when the car's weight increases. When you unload the car, the computer will give a signal to the valve, which releases air (10). Usually in pneumatic
there is nothing to lubricate on the calic springs. But still ask your consultant about the need to use a rubber conditioner to prevent premature wear of the air springs.
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The ball joint is a part of the car suspension, which serves to connect the lever and the hub. All motorists are well aware that it is necessary to monitor the ball joints and lubricate them regularly. If the ball joint is worn out, it must be immediately replaced with a new one. Some motorists believe that regular lubrication of the supports is much cheaper than replacing a worn assembly. That is why they drill a hole for lubrication in the center of the hinge and put a plug there. For those who want to know how to lubricate the ball joint, we will explain. For lubrication, you need to use a special syringe with lithol, which is screwed into the hole through which the lubricant enters the hinge. You can also use a regular medical syringe for this. To do this, it is necessary to pierce the anther of the ball joint with a needle, and inject TAD-17 lubricant inside. Annual lubrication in this way will make it possible to do without replacing ball joints for more than 100 thousand kilometers.
It is impossible to say exactly how the ball joint knocks. We can only assume that the knock that occurs when driving on rough roads is the knock of a ball joint. In order to check this, you need to raise the car on a lift. First of all, check the condition of the anthers, since if the anther is damaged, dust and dirt instantly get there, and this instantly reduces the service life. After that, you need to check the play of the ball joint and if there is play, then this means that it is time to change the ball joints.
For those who do not know what a ball joint looks like, let me explain. What is this part of the suspension, which looks like a fixed ball with a finger. Now that you know what it looks like, let's choose a good spare part for your car. When examining the ball joint, attention should be paid to the forged pin, the thread on which must be rolled. The finger should turn easily without jamming. The dust boot should fit snugly against the body of the finger, and the box should have a certification mark. Now you know how to choose a ball joint.
The ball joint is one of the most important details pendants. Since it is she who holds the wheel in a vertical position and does not allow it to turn out. The safety of your ride directly depends on its quality and wear resistance. After all, if the ball joint pin flies out of the base, then this can end badly not only for the car. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you use the tips on how to check the condition of the ball joint in order to avoid sad consequences. Choosing a quality part will not only allow you to drive more, but also save you from possible troubles. Good luck on the roads.
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