How to Grease Sealed Ball Joints

When performing routine maintenance such as an oil change on your vehicle, an important step is to also include greasing the ball joints at the same time. The ball joints on many types of newer vehicle models are non-serviceable or sealed, which means they do not require lubrication. However, lubricating the front end is still required on most SUV and truck models. Find the grease Zerk fittings to lubricate this mechanical system with a grease gun and keep it functioning properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Car jack
  • Jack stands
  • Automobile creeper
  • Grease gun
  • Rags
  • Raise the front end of the vehicle up off the ground with the car jack. Position the jack stands under the frame behind the front wheels. Lower the car jack until the vehicle rests on the jack stands. Ensure the parking brake is engaged.

  • Place the automobile creeper on the floor in front of the vehicle. Position your back on the creeper and push it under the front of the vehicle with your legs.

  • Locate the grease fittings that are on the top and bottom of a ball joint. They appear as a small fitting with a hole in the center of it.

  • Insert the tip of the grease gun onto one of the fittings and press to create a sealed connection. Hold the tip of the grease gun with one hand and press the trigger with the other. Continue to press the trigger to fill the ball joint with grease.

  • Remove the tip of the grease gun from the fitting. Wipe the tip of the grease gun with the rag. Place the tip of the grease gun on the other fitting. Press the trigger to fill the ball joint with grease.

  • Repeat this process for the ball joint on the other side of the vehicle.