Ball Joints + What do they do.

[mickeyblueyes]

I thought it would be a good idea to post a few what does it do questions for some of us that don't know everything.

I am hoping that the guys that earn their living fixing these can give accurate answers.

We hear about Ball joint failure being a problem for us. What are Ball Joints what do they do and what is the difference between "Upper" and Lower Ball joints. Why do they fail. Thanks to all who participate.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

Thanks for the class, Now the factory BJ do not come with grease fittings for several reasons(another topic) Is there anyway to get a pin head grease gun in there and grease them?. The most attractive option is to purchase a after market set from a vendor who is into the scene ,such as Carli or Moog? would this route be better than the NAPA ball joints.

 

[rbattelle]

Is there anyway to get a pin head grease gun in there and grease them?.

Yes and no. When I do a grease job (every 6k or so), one of the things I do is use a hypodermic grease needle to inject grease directly into the boot of each ball joint.



It has been said many times that this has no effect on anything. I do it anyway because it makes me feel good. I have 81k on the originals, but make no claims that my grease job has anything to do with that.



Ryan

 

[RDHamill]

I'd ask someone in the know to comment on the load on each of the upper and lower BJ.
thanks

 

[rbattelle]

however my Humvee needs them every 15K miles and they are serviceable.

Man, that's got to be expensive.



Ryan

 

[mickeyblueyes]

The grease needs to be in the joint, not sitting in the boot. I am not saying that it won't get there by injecting it - I don't live in a ball joint. U-joints can be serviceable or not. One would think that a zerk fitting would prolong the life? That is not always the case. Look at u-joints - some have zerks but but the solids are stronger but they are not serviceable (they are not hollow)



My '06 Ram doesn't yet need ball joints at 116K, however my Humvee needs them every 15K miles and they are serviceable. So just because there is no zerk fitting, it doesn't make the joint any better or worse off.



The best thing you can do is go to a decent shop and ask the mechanic to show you what is right or wrong.

Would you say that this is due to the extreme size tires on the Humvee? If this is the case ,what the heck does the Army do?

They do have a motor pool but between the 6. 5 and ball joints??? Bring back the old WWII jeep.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I stand corrected My apologies I made my conclusion from other members Humvee not a "military" spec. I did not know his was modified.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

First of all you guys are NEVER invited to my property. Second that looks like fun, if you had chains on the tan one it would really tear it up. I think you really should look into a Cat D4 or so just take the blade off. That would be a first set up a Humvee with tracks like a snow cat. hmmmmm

 

[rbattelle]

Tan 2 dr truck has a 5. 9 and 42" lockers, but in the end, it wasn't enough.

Is that yours? Man, if I had the money... . that truck is awesome. I've always wanted a real military spec HMMWV.



Ryan