Lubrication of ball bearings consists in wiping the grease fitting, installing a syringe (if necessary, you can “(“ use an adapter) and carefully squeezing the lubricant into the bearing. Now you will see how to do it correctly.
1. Understand how many lubrication points your machine has and where they are located. See the previous section “Looking for lubrication points”.
2. Wipe the first grease fitting and try to put a syringe on it. Happened? If not, then you will need an adapter. Do you have it? If not, then you will need an expander.
3.Fill the syringe with grease.
To do this, you will need the lubricant used for the suspension.
4. Move the syringe to the lubricator and carefully squeeze out some grease (5).
Never clog bearings with grease to the eyeballs. The amount of grease can be checked by squeezing the ball joint boot. It shouldn't be tight. When the boot is firm and full, squeeze some lubricant outward if there is a hole in this type of support. But if this support is of a sealed type, then you need to fill the cover completely. If the boot looks full, don't add any lubricant at all and move on to the next support.
5. Repeat steps. 2 and 4 until you have serviced all supports.
6. If you have overdone the lubrication of the sealed bearing, use a suitable socket wrench to unscrew the grease fitting (counterclockwise). Squeeze out some grease and screw the grease fitting back in.
Dealing with a retouched hinge - V, is not the most pleasant experience; be careful and squeeze out the grease in small portions. I know because I've had to deal with it. How difficult it is to deal with that slippery little grease fitting.
7. If one of the covers burst, it must be replaced immediately.
The parts that the covers protect are very important, so if you do not change them, after a short drive on a non-functioning support, you will have to pay a lot of money for repairs (or even completely lose control of the car).
When buying a new car, ask the maintenance manager. does this model have weak spots, where it would be nice to put an additional grease fitting. My car had a couple extra
installed, it is convenient and inexpensive. If you constantly hear some kind of squeak while driving, ask if it will disappear if you install a grease fitting in that place.
Technologically, it is provided that the suspension also includes a steering drive, but it seems to me that, guided by their functional purpose, it is better to separate these two systems. Therefore, try to think of the steering as a system serving the horizontal direction of movement (left and right), and the suspension as a system serving the vertical direction of movement (up and down). The following sections explain how to lubricate the hangers. (If the suspension system knocks on its own, you should contact a professional.)
Spring lubrication
To absorb shocks and keep your car level are used Various types springs. It can be coil spring, leaf spring, torsion bar or air spring. Some cars have leaf springs on the rear wheels and springs on the front. Executive cars, trucks and buses have an air suspension system. For more information on suspension types, see chapter 11, “ Steering and Suspension, or What Makes a Ride Pleasant”. Now you will learn what you need for lubrication and how to properly lubricate the suspension, depending on its type.
Leaf springs. The leaf springs are attached to the vehicle frame at each end, allowing them to move freely. This mount usually has a rubber bushing that allows the mount to rotate easily and also absorbs vibration energy and prevents the spring from “reaching” into the passenger compartment (6). Between the leaf springs are pieces of plastic called an anti-squeal plastic washer that can be lubricated with suspension grease to prevent noise as the leaf rubs against each other during shaking.
Spring springs. They look like springs on old-fashioned sofas. Most often, the springs are installed in the front of the car, but there are models in which they are installed both front and rear (7 and 8 show the location of ball joints and bushings on spring springs).
Sometimes spring springs have rubber gaskets in the upper and lower parts. If the springs make a lot of noise, you can lubricate them at the top and bottom. Use a sprayer to apply lubricant.
torsion shaft. This type of springs is widely used in sports and trucks. Usually they are located parallel to the frame and accumulate to the control levers from one end, and from the other - to the transverse structural element (9). The torsion shaft does not require lubrication. They can be adjusted; If your vehicle is raised too high or too low, the height can be adjusted by turning the adjusting bolt.
Air suspension. This type of suspension relies on the use of compressed air to maintain ride comfort and vehicle body height. With the built-in computer that signals the weight, you can add compressed air when the vehicle's weight increases. When you unload the car, the computer will give a signal to the valve, which releases air (10). Usually in pneumatic
there is nothing to lubricate on the calic springs. But still ask your consultant about the need to use a rubber conditioner to prevent premature wear of the air springs.
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A variety of extraneous noises that irritate the driver so much when driving often have the same cause - insufficiently lubricated ball joints (SHO). Should we treat this as an unfortunate inevitability, or is it better to lubricate the supports? Each driver decides for himself, but there are proven recommendations based on practical experience. It is preferable to follow them if you do not want to spend extra money because of problems with such important detail car, like ball joints.
Lubricate or not?
Do ball joints need to be lubricated before installation and during operation? To give the correct answer, it is worth understanding the principle of the device of any of these supports. It can be arranged in different ways, but it must have a ball joint, as well as a finger. The base serves to stop the hinge, the anther covers the support from above.
During operation, the hinge constantly shifts, which contributes to its rapid wear. In addition, dirt often accumulates in the empty space between the base and the boot, which interferes with the operation of the part. An alarming sign in this case is the appearance of knocks and squeaks. To prevent this from happening, the space under the anther must be completely clogged with auto-lubrication. It is very important to know how best to lubricate the ball bearings for their most durable functioning.
How to lubricate ball
What to lubricate ball joint before installation? The most common options are:
- lithium based;
- calcium based.
Litol-24 and CIATIM-201 are popular among lithium auto-lubricants. They contain oil and lithium soap in different proportions, they also differ in the composition of additional additives.
The stabilizing substances present in Litol-24 ensure good safety of the hinge and low lubricant consumption during its operation. However, this auto-lube does not tolerate low temperatures well. CIATIM-201 stabilizes SHOs to a lesser extent, but it protects them better from frost, and it costs less.
Read also: Do-it-yourself front shock absorber replacement
Expensive lithium-calcium and calcium greases ( different kinds Shell Gadus, Grease Calcium, etc.) are recommended for high loads on parts, as well as when they work in extreme temperature conditions.
So what kind of grease to lubricate the ball bearings? It depends on the following factors:
- degree of intensity of the load;
- temperature;
- prices.
Based on these factors, for an ordinary driver operating his a car on asphalt roads middle lane, lithium auto-lubricants are best suited as an acceptable compromise between price and quality. While in extreme conditions calcium and plastic lithium-calcium greases are more suitable.
When to lubricate ball
SHO is required to be lubricated before factory installation. However, in a number of cases, especially when it comes to machines of "domestic assembly", this requirement may not be met. In addition, the displacement of the hinge during the operation of the vehicle leads to the consumption of lubricant. The amount of lubricant decreases and during downtime - it dries out. That is why it is recommended to add lubricant not only during installation, but also periodically, after a certain period of operation. But how do you know when a part needs to be relubricated?
All malfunctions of the SHO are already on early stages are easily identified by ear, although modern diagnostics may be needed in the future. The first alarm signal for the driver is knocking and squeaking while driving. If they are heard precisely in those places where the SHO is located, then it is this node that must be checked first of all. If there is no noticeable play, a timely update of auto-lubrication will be a sufficient measure.
Experience shows that if one ball began to “knock”, it is better to lubricate them all, since they have the same resource.
How to lubricate ball
How to lubricate ball joints yourself? On most modern models cars, SHO lubrication is carried out using a special syringe. The price of this tool is low and quickly pays off, if you take into account the cost of parts that its use protects. In this case, the lubrication procedure is extremely simple and does not require not only special skills, but even elementary knowledge of a drill. However, this process is far from being so easy in all cases.
Read also: Do-it-yourself replacement of pivots for GAZ 3110
On a range of vehicles inner part SHO with a single syringe is not available. And this means that you will have to cut the missing threaded fragments into parts. Here you can not do without a drill and an appropriate nozzle for metal carving. Another necessary tool for this is the usual locksmith vice to fix the removed part. However, there is nothing here that the car owner could not do on his own, at home.
Even though it is possible to lubricate the ball joints directly on the body of the car, doing so is usually not recommended due to the fact that this is a dirty job and can stain the body. On each specific car model, the removal of ball joints has its own characteristics, but general principle is the same everywhere. It is quite possible to remove the SHO without the appropriate devices, resting the crowbar while the assistant knocks it out with a sledgehammer. However, it is better to use a special puller, as it is much more convenient and does not threaten physical injury due to negligence.
Further depends on the design of the support. If the hinge is equipped with a nipple into which lubricant can be added, then there is no problem with a syringe. You only need to do the following:
- clamp the part with a vice;
- unscrew the nipple with a key or pliers;
- inject grease with a syringe into the opened hole;
- close the nipple by tightening the protective plug.
Video instruction (the case when there is a technological hole)
On those vehicles where the addition of lubrication is not provided, you have to use a drill and a threading device. In this case, it is necessary:
- clamp the part in a vice;
- using a thin drill, drill a hole in it;
- cut a thread in it;
- pour lubricant into the hole with a syringe;
- close the hole with a suitable threaded bolt.
Sometimes, if not at hand suitable tools, it is still necessary to find a way to lubricate the ball joint without removing it. The sequence of actions is the same:
- the anther is hooked with a sharp object;
- the edge of the gap formed is moved away with the help of improvised means;
- grease is poured into the slot using a syringe.
Hello everyone, on my VAZ-2106 classic, a ball joint began to creak, I’m thinking about lubricating it, tell me what the creak is fraught with and how best to lubricate it? (Valentine)
Good afternoon Valentine. As a rule, the occurrence of a creak is associated with a lack of the required amount of lubricant, in particular, under the anther, directly in the ball joint itself. Lack of lubrication, in turn, can cause damage to the anther. In domestic classic cars, two ball joints are installed - upper and lower - but only the latter is subject to maintenance and is equipped with a special fitting through which lubricant is poured.
The service life of this unit depends on many factors, it varies from 15 to 130 thousand kilometers. Even a small crack formed on the anther can significantly reduce the resource. As a result, dirt and moisture will enter the hinge through the crack, so the assembly should always be diagnosed for mechanical damage.
Signs of a broken ball:
- knocking when driving on the road with pits and off-road;
- when turning the steering wheel, a creak may appear;
- the car may drive unstably in a straight line as a result of the wobbling of the wheels;
- The tires on your car wear unevenly.
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How to lubricate the support with your own hands?
This process is best done on a flyover or pit, with the vehicle positioned so that the front wheel is on the edge of the pit. By doing this, you can make room for a syringe with which you will fill in the lubricant.
For good lubrication necessary design, you should put the front vehicle on the jack, and under the beam you will need to install an emphasis. Next, you need to install stands under the lower arm, after which the jack is lowered. By doing this, you will be able to unload the front suspension of your car.
After that, using wrench 7, you should unscrew the plug located at the bottom of the support. Take an ordinary pharmacy syringe with a nozzle or a special syringe into which pour the lubricant "Solidol" or "Litol". It should not be poured, so the amount of substance should be controlled through the anther itself - when you see that this element has begun to inflate, this means that lubrication is no longer needed. Please note: too much lubricant can also damage the component.
Video "Lubrication of the support at home"
Details of this process are shown in the video (author - VAZ 2101-2107, repair and maintenance).
Sometimes, drivers may have a question about how to lubricate the ball joint. This topic is usually raised when there are knocks in the suspension caused by the production of regular lubricant. As a rule, it is the absence of a lubricant that leads to the need to replace this suspension element. The use of additional greases extends the service life of the support by 2 times. And if there is special tool, as well as minimal skills in car repair, every motorist can cope with the restoration of the ball joint. The main thing is to choose the right type of lubricant to solve this problem.
Support structure
How to lubricate the ball joint? Before answering this question, it is advisable for you to familiarize yourself with the structure of this part. Then you will be able to understand more clearly how to properly lubricate the knot. The main element here is a ball joint with a finger. It rests on the base, from above the structure is covered with an anther. It is stuffed into the base and under the anther a large number of grease. It is calculated for the entire period of validity of this structural element.
During operation, the hinge is constantly shifting relative to the base, the lubricant is slowly produced, and when long downtime and it just dries up. Therefore, knocks gradually begin to appear. If you do not pay attention to this sign, then backlashes begin, and the part becomes unusable due to high output.
What is lubricated with?
As a rule, various lithium-based greases are used for ball joints. These formulations are excellent for high loads that occur during the operation of the ball joint. It is necessary to understand that it is worth choosing such substances correctly. The composition of lithium greases are derived from petroleum oils.
During the manufacturing process, the oil is thickened by adding lithium soap. This allows you to achieve the best consistency. At the same time, the combination of petroleum oil with fatty acids of lithium soap has an additional preservative effect. In practice, there are several types this type lubricants. They differ in the ratio of oil and lithium soap in the composition, as well as additional additives. The most common options are:
- . This is perhaps the most common option among drivers. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, this lubricant has a good temperature range, which allows it to be used almost throughout our entire territory. Due to the presence of stabilizing additives, the grease lasts for a long time, providing reliable protection from any negative factors. It should be especially noted that Litol-24 is not afraid of any temperature changes, so you should not worry that when driving through snow or water, the ball will remain unprotected;
- . This grease is less commonly used in ball bearings. Compared to Litol, it has a lower threshold allowable temperatures. It does not freeze even at minus 60 C. Therefore, it is often used in the regions of the far north. Although CIATIM has lower technical specifications, in comparison with Litol, resistance to low temperatures is an advantage. Also, this lubricant has a lower cost.
If you go to the store to buy ball grease, then you should not buy expensive formulations from well-known manufacturers. Usually, they are practically no different from cheaper counterparts. Therefore, you can freely take the simplest Litol-24, and not bother. But, be sure to look at the composition. Calcium lubricants are always more expensive. Therefore, if you want to opt for calcium lubricants, then get ready to spend a little more money.
When choosing substances, it is desirable to pay attention to machine operating conditions. If you encounter extreme temperatures, then it is better to take a lubricant that can work at such extremes. low temperatures. This will reduce the level of wear of parts when working in winter time. In other cases, there are no special features when choosing.
The work itself
To extend the life of the suspension, it is recommended that at the first manifestations of ball bearing knocks, it is imperative to check this assembly. If there are no noticeable backlashes, then it is enough to renew the lubricant in the support. To do this, you will need a special syringe. It is inexpensive considering average cost ball bearings, this money is beaten off quickly enough. Also, on some models of machines, you may need a drill and a device for cutting threaded fragments. Well, if there are vices. In some cases, ball lubrication can be done directly on the car, but this is not always justified, because it is very difficult to ensure the cleanliness of the procedure.
First, remove the ball joint from the car. Here you will find instructions for repairing your car. On all models, this work has its own characteristics, so it is better to clarify these nuances so that there are no problems in the future. After dismantling, inspect the ball joint. We are interested in the base of the part. On many models, there is a nipple for adding extra hinge lubrication. This will allow you to update the working composition without much difficulty.
In this case, do in the following way:
- We clamp the support in a vice, just do it carefully;
- Unscrew the lubrication nipple. Depending on the model, you will need a key or pliers;
- Draw up a sufficient amount of lubricant into the syringe. After that you can enter right amount substances inside the part;
- We tighten the protective cork, it is advisable to move your finger, it should move much tighter than it was before.
It will be a little more difficult in the case of an unattended support. On some foreign cars it is not possible to add new portion lubricants. In this case, you will need to use a drill:
- The support is clamped in a vice, after which a hole is made in the base with a thin drill;
- It is threaded;
- Next, grease is added using a syringe;
- A suitable bolt is screwed into the hole.
Conclusion. As a rule, many knocks in the suspension can be caused not by wear of parts, but by the lack of lubrication in them. Therefore, the question of how to lubricate the ball joint is not something surprising. Lubrication in this hinge assembly is developed much earlier than the failure of the entire part occurs. Therefore, the most the best option there will be self-lubrication of the support. This will significantly reduce the cost of servicing your car, because you can increase the service life of the ball joint by 2 times.
