Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Grease

[Adam Roby]

I bought two new front upper control arms, and the ball joints have the grease nipples. I was so eager to try out my new grease gun, so I promptly filled both ball joints with some premium synthetic bearing grease.

I am just wondering, was this a dumb thing to do before installing the arms?
Does it really matter? I have never done this before...

I figured I would have easier access before the installation, could more easily make sure they were full, but now I am wondering if when installing they will just be squeezed empty from manipulating. Probably better it has some grease in there, rather than possibly forgetting to grease them and going on a test drive with them "dry" (factory had something in there, black stuff, not much of it.).

 

[ltd02]

I wouldn't think it would matter. If some squeezes out just squirt some more in when done. Like you said, better than forgetting all together.

 

[uss2defiant]

I believe the FSM recommends NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB.

I also read that you don't want to mix grease that are made from a different base too.

 

[Adam Roby]

...NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB...

Yup, I used this stuff, which is exactly that only synthetic, figured why not.

MotoMaster Synthetic Grease, 400g | Canadian Tire

 

[uss2defiant]

cool.
Interestingly it doesn't appear to be certified.
I don't see it on the list but maybe this list has not been updated yet.
https://www.nlgi.org/certifications/product/listing-of-certified-products/#m

 

[Adam Roby]

It might be under it's main brand:

CANADIAN TIRE CORP.
- MOTOMASTER FARM & TRUCK GREASE GC-LB
- MOTOMASTER SEMI-SYNTHETIC EXTREME PRESSURE GREASE GC-LB
- MOTOMASTER WHEEL BEARING & CHASSIS LUBE GC-LB

 

[CactusJacked]

You add grease till it starts to ooze out the boot, now it's fully loaded. You can't do it this way until the ball joint is installed and sandwiching the boot. Just add more grease once it's together. You didn't do anything "dumb" greasing it some beforehand, other than wasting time and grease if you lose any during the install.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Are those stock upper control arms?

I've never seen stock-style A-arms that were greasable - curious... :shrug:

Bob

 

[Adam Roby]

There's the Mevotech Supreme's, can find them at RockAuto.


More Information for MEVOTECH CMK3198

 

[LibertyTC]

IDK about the CanTire Syn stuff. Will it run when it gets wheel well temps/summer? Keep an eye on it.
I use Penzoil 707L for the JBA4.5's.
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Now this stuff is great when it gets hot outside.
Sticks well and thick, super water resistant stuff. Available at Napa.

 

[Adam Roby]

...Keep an eye on it...

At the price of grease, I don't mind ditching the tube and replacing it if indeed the quality is low. I figured if it met the standards then it was good. How could I tell, would it be because it leaks from the seals?

I packed my wheel bearing on my camper last summer with some Canadian Tire wheel bearing grease. It sat in the sun and when I came back there was a small puddle of pink juice on the rim. I took it back apart just to be sure, and it still looked fine... is it normal to have some leaking, and at what point would you say "this needs replacing"?

 

[TheBlueKJ]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure grease leaking out into a puddle is a bad thing

 

[Adam Roby]

I made it sound like a river, it wasn't quite that bad... but still made me wonder. That was not the same grease and I put now, but was probably the same manufacturer since I got both at Canadian Tire.

Takes no time to refill and squeeze out the old... might just do that.

 

[LibertyTC]

The bearing seals on the camper are probably leaking.
Often you see grease splashed inside/outside the rim depending on which seal is failing.
Juicy puddle sounds like not the best grease, not able to maintain thickness when hot.
With zerk fittings, I always keep a grease gun around and give it a squeeze or two before summer trips, & more when I arrive.
I will only install more grease once the bearings have cooled down.
As far as the ball joint on control arms, as long as seals are good the grease should stay intact without major wet dripping of any kind.

 

[Adam Roby]

The bearing seals on the camper are probably leaking.
Often you see grease splashed inside/outside the rim depending on which seal is failing.

You are probably right. I checked the bearings on the camper, they were still is very good shape but I never paid attention to the seals. I think they sell the kit for each tire at around $30, probably worth while swapping everything out - $60 is far cheaper than a tow truck if something goes wrong.

 

[uss2defiant]

i think as long as it's a certified NLGI.
I'm not sue whether the canadian tire ones are grade 2 and EP though.

 

[Adam Roby]

Seems to be Grade 2, not sure about EP.

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8294&stc=1&d=1462071731