Squeaky Ball Joints!!!
 

Why did the original ball joints on my 85 300 D last for almost 18 years, then the new ones I put in a couple of years ago start to squeak. I wish these things had grease nipples...there was real satisfaction in periodically getting under the car and greasing suspension components, and seeing the old dirty grease come out and nice clean grease go in. I'm not sure about these maintenance-free suspension components.

I had my son push front end up and down and steer car while I put my hand on various front suspension/steering components. It's definitely the ball joints. Is there any way to quiet these things down...is this squeaking indicative of pending failure. These were replaced in 2002 using required tool...OE parts (febi I think??). Can I just forget about them and hope the noise goes away, or plan on replacing them again?

Thanks,

Mark

You can buy a pack of grease fittings and install them yourself. Just drill the appropriately sized hole (with a magnetic drill bit- ball joints HATE metal shavings :) ) and screw them in. With a little luck, fresh grease will shut them up and extend their squeaky little lives.

For future reference, you shouldn't pump so much grease in that it forces it's way out of the greasebag. That tears the greasebag and leaves a way for water and dirt to get in. Just pump until you see the bag swell a little. Unless the greasebag is already torn, in which case, the harm's been done...pump away!

Of course you know that if they are squeaking they are out of grease and should be replaced. Nevertheless, as an aid for more positive diagnosis, dribbling some gear oil in there will definitely quiet things down. If it doesn't, I respectfully suggest that the noise problem originates elsewhere. I put oil in my completely dry and rusty joints and it removed the noise totally (for a little while) Mine were so bad the boots were non existent. :eek:

Mine is doing the same thing! :eek: I cant stand that squeak anymore. It makes the car sound like a junker :mad:

Is it dangerous to use the car in this way? Or is the noise just the only side effect. My fear is that my right front tire might pass me on the opposite lane while driving! :eek: :eek:

Mark,

I grease my ball joints and tie rod ends every 25,000 miles and they are still going strong after 25 years and 260,000 miles.

I use a hypodermic type needle with a grease fitting on the end. The needle pierces the rubber boot and injects the grease inside. It makes such a small hole, the grease does not leak out.

I bought the needle at an auto parts store a long time ago, but they still might be available.

P E H

The squeak means that the ball joint needs grease. The problem is that once they run out of grease it doesn't take very long to damage them. They might be able to be saved, but that depends on wether there is any play in the ball joints. If there's no play, then you should be able to grease them and stop them from wearing any further. If there is play, it will gradually get worse until the joint separates and the control arm and steering knuckle go their separate ways. The wheel won't actually come off the car, but I guarantee it'll ruin your day :eek: .

Though I've never even heard of it until now, let alone tried it, the method of greasing that PEH described sure sounds more painless that installing grease fittings. Could I use a regular medical syringe? Here in New Orleans you can find them (slighly used) for free on the sidewalk :rolleyes: .

eww. that's more dangerous than the squeaky balljoint.

ughh that is soo disgusting, just don't share them with any other benz :eek:

Of course, I was only kidding. I actually live in a pretty good neighborhood. Most of the gunshots I hear are off in the distance somewhere ;) .

The hypodermic type needles shouldn't be too hard to find. Just look where they sell the refill tubes of grease...they usually have the needles and extensions and things, sitting nearby. Sharp little suckers too, so be careful!

-Larry

NAPA has them - I just bought a pair there about a month ago.

No, see, stopping squeaks is what the radio is for...

Kidding... kidding...

What did you say, eh, speak up...
 

It is not a radio, it is a NOISE SUPRESSION DEVICE, please excuse my shouting, our neighbors daughter was just dropped off by her boy friend in his super rice boom box, with his DB level, I will guarantee he never will hear the fire truck or other emergency vehicle that kills him. :( :eek: :mad:

My answer
 

To your question...
Are nipples any good?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/88669-nipples-any-good.html

Yes, and while he's out on a date with a hot young thing, certain people are on a web board talking about their squeaky ball joints, see? ;)

Skulking back to OD now...