chassis lubing
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek MI
chassis lubing
I've got a basic maintenance question regarding lubing the ball joints and tie rod ends on my '85. How much grease do you pump in the ball joints and tie rod ends? I've searched the GM shop manual and forum but haven't found a good answer yet. Also, is there a better grease than the GM spec'd grease in the shop manual to use? I've lubed my other "traditional" cars before but the C4 is far from "traditional" vehicles in a lot of ways and I just want to verify so I don't screw it up. Thanks for the help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 0
From: WAY UPSTATE NY
My $ .02... You want to watch the rubber boots when they begin to bulge that should be enough grease. I have been using Mobil 1 synthetic grease for a couple of years now and IMHO it stands up better to water invasion and the elements in general. Use it on all my vehicles including boat trailer wheel bearings .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
The key is to add a small amount on a regular basis.
I use a pistol grip lube gun and squeeze the grip
part of one compression - enough to know that grease
entered the fitting.
Once the grease migrates out from between the
friction surfaces into the surrounding pocket formed
by the boot, there is less likelyhood that it will provide
lubrication.
If the integrity of the boot is compromised so that
water and abrasives can enter then joint life is
shortened.
.
I use a pistol grip lube gun and squeeze the grip
part of one compression - enough to know that grease
entered the fitting.
Once the grease migrates out from between the
friction surfaces into the surrounding pocket formed
by the boot, there is less likelyhood that it will provide
lubrication.
If the integrity of the boot is compromised so that
water and abrasives can enter then joint life is
shortened.
.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I understand that most C4 have my problem... someone overfilled the boot in the past...
Supposed 3 pumps with a grease gun is the max that should be used
How do I change the boot?
Supposed 3 pumps with a grease gun is the max that should be used
How do I change the boot?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Originally Posted by rws.1
Suppose 3 pumps with a grease gun is the max that
should be used?
should be used?
will give you an old t-rod or b-joint. Cut off the seal
and then see how much grease escapes past the wear
surfaces when you apply 3 pumps.
I think that if there was already grease from the
nipple, through the passageway to the wear area, then
you will see a noticable amount of surplus grease.
But YMMV.
Originally Posted by rws.1
How do I change the boot?
boots are available separately. I know they are for
other vehicles but can not say for the C4.
Frankly, if it were mine, I'd probably leave it in place
to live out its possibly shortened life and then replace
the complete assembly. The grease in the boot helps
as a seal, periodic shots keep the working area happy.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Originally Posted by helopilot
Thanks for your replies, guys. I know chassis
lubing isn't the most exciting thing to discuss but
sometimes ya just gotta ask!
lubing isn't the most exciting thing to discuss but
sometimes ya just gotta ask!
Then maybe I won't hear the pneumatic grease gun
at the Quickie Lube droning on with its ka-chunka,
chunka, chunka as the operator moves from fitting
to fitting on cars in the neighboring bays.
There's a reason why they stopped providing nipples
on a lot of moving components.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,336
Likes: 2,265
From: Central Maryland
This points up yet another reason why I never let anyone else do lube/oil/filter jobs on my vehicles. Those clowns almost always blow out the boots when they pump grease into a joint.
Re: how much to add:
You want the boots to be holding some grease, but not overfilled to the point where they are in danger of rupture. If the boot is already looking full of lube, leave the joint alone!!! If the boot has begun to shrink down indicating it can hold some more lube safely, then pump only as much in as is required to get the boot to start to fill out again. Use a pistol-grip, manual grease gun. Pneumatic grease guns oughta be outlawed!!!
Be well,
SJW
Re: how much to add:
You want the boots to be holding some grease, but not overfilled to the point where they are in danger of rupture. If the boot is already looking full of lube, leave the joint alone!!! If the boot has begun to shrink down indicating it can hold some more lube safely, then pump only as much in as is required to get the boot to start to fill out again. Use a pistol-grip, manual grease gun. Pneumatic grease guns oughta be outlawed!!!
Be well,
SJW
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