Suspension Component Wear: To What Extent Function of Age?
 

On my 92 300D, I didn't have to do my lower ball joints until about 175,000 miles when it was 14 years old. But, on my 91 300D with only 88,000 miles, they're starting to creak...but, as it rolled off the line in Stuttgart in 1990, it is a 20 year old car.

So, do some suspension components tend to go bad "early" because of age (due to rubber drying out, etc.)? I'm mildly disappointed that I'm having to do some of this work at relatively low mileage...but perhaps it's to be expected.

Thanks.

it's possible the 88K on the 90 were harder miles than the 175K in the 92.
it's also possible sitting outside in the sun may have hardened the rubber boots, letting moisture in, and subsequent driving damaged quicker than the constant motion of the miles of the 90...

Twenty year old grease just doesn't hold up like it used to. How are the boot condition. What about adding grease to the bearings. I know they have needle like pins to use for grease less ball joints that go through the rubber. If they just squeak and there's no play I'd grease them and go.

Is that safe? I'd hate to keep masking a symtom only to have catastrophic failure in the future.

IF the boots are not torn, grease is a good repair technique.

As vstech said if the boots are in not torn. And there is no play in the ball joint then grease and go. Ball joints do wear out, check for play and check tire wear. As they wear you get more and more play. Adding grease ensures they move smoothly and wear slower.

Here's some general info:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/ml-gl-g-wagen-r-class-unimog-sprinter/275054-testing-ball-joint-replacement-how-look-ball-joint-wear-post2442485.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_5472959_check-bad-ball-joints.html