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Lower Ball joint question

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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 05:02 PM
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Default Lower Ball joint question

I beleive I have to replace my lower ball joints. But I was just wondering can a ball joint just be out of grease? I mean mine right know look like flat pancakes and i really dont see any visible splits or cracks, can i save it or should i just replace it? Also is there a certain type of grease i should use? Thanks for any help.
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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 05:19 PM
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grease them up with a grease gun, go to any parts store and ask for grease for ball joints, U joints, ect.

Sometimes thats all they need, and if they are flat like you say, it cant hurt to feed them a few shots of grease.
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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 06:21 PM
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If i do replace the ball joints should I pre fill them with a little grease or leave'em empty and fill them when they are on the car and fully installed?
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Old Mar 23, 2004 | 09:39 PM
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Jack the car up by the body and grab hold of the wheel, one hand on top and one on the bottom of the tire, rock it back and forth checking for play. If it is tight then just grease the ball joints until the rubber starts to bulge but not squirting grease out (keeps a better seal that way). If you are replacing the ball joints you grease them after installation.
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Old Mar 24, 2004 | 01:42 PM
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After further inspection i notice only one of my ball joints is bad. Can i just replace that one or are you supposed to replace them both at once? (meaning left and right side)
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Old Mar 24, 2004 | 03:16 PM
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You can do just one. You might need an alignment after.

Jay
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Old Mar 24, 2004 | 04:03 PM
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Don't need an alignment after ball joints just struts and tie rods.
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