C4 Chassis Lubrication
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sterling Heights Michigan
C4 Chassis Lubrication
My vette is the first car I have owned that requires chassis lubrication with zert fittings. How do I know how much grease to put in? Other than the tie rod ends and upper/lower balljoints, which other locations do I need to grease?
I tried searching around the forum for this and couldnt find anything. If a posting on this already exists, show me the way!
I tried searching around the forum for this and couldnt find anything. If a posting on this already exists, show me the way!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
This varies by year as to the number of fittings. My '95 for example has them only at the ball joints, so just four. Simply grease them until it just starts to come out from under the dust covers and that's plenty. If you would happen to have any in the U-joints, grease them until you hear kind of a 'crisp' sound and then stop. I think I may have heard of some of the earlier cars having a couple or so in the rear suspension so look around back there. None anywhere should be too hard to spot if they're there. 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
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From: Sun City West Az
When putting in the grease, pay attention to the the rubber boots that surround the joints. You want them to buldge out some without rupturing. A little less grease is better than to much in this case. I blew out both tie rod boots and had to replace them from over greasing. 
Everyone learns at their own pace.
Everyone learns at their own pace.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If too much grease oozes out, the boot may not seal properly again and let in dirt and moisture. That will shorten the life of the joint. I usually wipe any excess grease off but leave a small amount around the boot.Not sure when GM went to permanentaly lubed rear tie rod ends in the back, but check for zerk fitting at the outer ends.
Some aftermarket tie rod ends will have grease fittings, some may not. The upper and lower ball joints will have grease fittings. The front outer tie rod ends should have grease fittings.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by ittlfly
When putting in the grease, pay attention to the the rubber boots that surround the joints. You want them to buldge out some without rupturing. A little less grease is better than to much in this case. I blew out both tie rod boots and had to replace them from over greasing. Everyone learns at their own pace.
Everyone learns at their own pace.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by ittlfly
When putting in the grease, pay attention to the the rubber boots that surround the joints. You want them to buldge out some without rupturing. A little less grease is better than to much in this case. I blew out both tie rod boots and had to replace them from over greasing. Everyone learns at their own pace.
Everyone learns at their own pace.so now i probably have 2 blown boots.
all because i read my factory manual and trusted it literally, and didn't pay attention to this forum instead.
next time someone says get the helms manual, i'm going to crown them.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Kalama WA
My car's previous owner always went to a grease shop. To say the least they ruined all the dust boots by overfilling "till the grease came out". IF you see this- you already have put too much in and risk blowing the dust seals off the joints or splitting them. Put just enough in to "plump" the boot-no more.
