TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Aug 04, 2009 4:09 pm

I've got the ball joint beam out of the car and torn apart to add adjusters. I'm also replacing all of the ball joints and tie rod ends as well since they look to be original VW (and feel like it too).

I called my local VW shop and he said the ball joints they have don't come with grease fittings. Has anyone added grease fittings to sealed ball joints or tie rod ends? I searched and found that if they have the plastic cap on them you can pull that off and add the fitting, but what if they have a smooth metal top?

Also, are the typical VW shop tie rod ends and ball joints worth a crap? There is a European parts place that probably sells Beck Arnley or something like that. I don't mind spending money in the right places, and this is a daily driver, what brand should I go with?

Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:55 am

I have the same question, anyone add grease fittings to the flat top ball joints with no hole? I was thinking of drilling/tapping hole and then screwing in grease fittings? good idea? The BJs are new and already installed on torsion arms, thanks.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:50 am

I talked to a machinist friend of mine who's also worked on VW's for many years. He didn't think the risk of putting metal shavings in the ball joints was worth the gain of adding grease. Realistically, you can pop the joints off of the spindle, remove the grease boot, and add grease that way. That's what I decided to do.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:13 am

Buy a need le at your local parts supply store to fit in the end of your grease gun. shouldn't cost more than a couple bucks - good tool to have

Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:55 am

mjenner wrote: Buy a need le at your local parts supply store to fit in the end of your grease gun. shouldn't cost more than a couple bucks - good tool to have Your saying to slip the needle under the boot and shoot some grease in there that way? thx

Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:30 am

Yeah - and tthe water won't get in either.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:59 pm

How old are the factory units? 30+years? There was no need for a grease fitting. Only reason for a grease fitting is if you are using the cheap play-doh versions most sell. And even that will not correct for steel that is just too soft. Good luck

Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:18 am

Your original ball joints were a steel ball in a steel socket. Grease was needed to prevent wear.
Modern ball joints are made the same, but have a teflon "bearing" between the two sliding steel parts. Any grease you put in there does nothing.
There isn't a problem with the ball joints that needs solving.