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#1
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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
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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver) 1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky) |
#2
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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!
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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K 2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's) 1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K |
#3
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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.
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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue" "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." listen, look, .........and duck. |
#4
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Mine is doing the same thing! I cant stand that squeak anymore. It makes the car sound like a junker
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!
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Robert Ayala 1985 300SD (W126) 300K miles |
#5
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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 |
#6
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Quote:
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 .
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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K 2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's) 1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K |
#7
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Quote:
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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue" "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." listen, look, .........and duck. |
#8
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Quote:
ughh that is soo disgusting, just don't share them with any other benz
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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP |
#9
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Quote:
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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K 2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's) 1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K |
#10
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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
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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein 09 Jetta TDI 1985 300D |
#11
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NAPA has them - I just bought a pair there about a month ago.
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#12
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No, see, stopping squeaks is what the radio is for...
Kidding... kidding... |
#13
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What did you say, eh, speak up...
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ASE Master Mechanic asemastermechanic@juno.com Prototype R&D/testing: Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Dynamometer. Heat exchanger durability. HV-A/C Climate Control. Vehicle build. Fleet Durability Technical Quality Auditor. Automotive Technical Writer 1985 300SD 1983 300D 1984 190D 2003 Volvo V70 2002 Honda Civic https://www.boldegoist.com/ |
#14
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My answer
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Are nipples any good? http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=88669&page=1&pp=15
__________________
ASE Master Mechanic asemastermechanic@juno.com Prototype R&D/testing: Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Dynamometer. Heat exchanger durability. HV-A/C Climate Control. Vehicle build. Fleet Durability Technical Quality Auditor. Automotive Technical Writer 1985 300SD 1983 300D 1984 190D 2003 Volvo V70 2002 Honda Civic https://www.boldegoist.com/ |
#15
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Quote:
Skulking back to OD now... |
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