Bad ball joints after 10K, what gives?

[TBartlett1]

I have read many posts about premature ball joint failure, some repeatedly failing at less 10k and others lasting 170K plus miles. I have owned 4x4's since the 70's and I have never had what I would consider unacceptable service from a ball joint, tie-rod or u-joint that was grease-able and that was also greased regularly. Any parts that I have replaced were replaced with the grease-able style and have not failed again during my ownership.

Is it a quality issue with parts or does it have to do with grease type, maintaince schedule and or use?

Or are people being taken for a ride???

My personal preference for chassis grease (suspension and u-joints) is Moly fortified grease. I found this to cure a tendency for my then new 1990 W250 CTD steering to not self center after making a L or R turn.

We may all learn something if we compare notes with details such as the;

Replacement brand, Moog, TRW, Spicer or other

Is it grease-able yes or no?

How often is it greased?

What type of grease is used?

What type of service or use does the vehicle see?

Maybe someone that's a wiz with computers could create a survey that could tally responses.

The results of this post could open some eyes and save members considerable money.



Tim