ball joint

[HenryM3]

got my suspension in bits including the alloy banana arm. one of the ball joints is very stiff, it feels dry but doesn't have any play (yet) the wire clip that holds the rubber boot in place had come off. I've got the boot off and want to get some grease in the joint. any ideas other than greasing round the outside of the ball, how can I get it to the bottom of the ball. at the price of these alloy arms I'll try anything.

[rp2]

i guess its on am M3 so you have the alloy control arms. can you not get someone to press the ball joint out of the arm and a new one back in. but you may risk cracking it.

[HenryM3]

Didn't know you could change them. I have had an alloy arm in my garage for years in the hope that some day someone will find a way.

[BadDave]

You can't change the joints in the alloy arms.

Could you prise the top of the rubber away at the tapered bit and force some grease in??

[HenryM3]

I shall live in hope that someone will find a way of replacing the joints, they (the arms) are about £300. There's got to be a good profit if someone could do it. I'd pay £100. As to the grease, would spray silicone be any good, could you heat grease up enough to melt it in there?? The rubber boot is no problem, just two spring like circlips and the whole boot comes off

[ANGELEYES]

Later model Porsche 944's use alloy arms with "non-rebuildable" ball joints. Folks are getting them re-built with grease nipples installed. Don't know any details (it's easy enough to just buy a good used one), but the know-how could already be out there...

[maxlee]

i alway been told a few drops of oil will soffen the grease back up

[martauto]

Hold the ball tight and drill and tap for a grease nipple , its got to be worth a go even buying the taps and a cheap wrench ?

Mart.

[HenryM3]

A couple of good ideas, I'll try the oil on the stiff one on the car and practice the drilling and taping on the spare one I've got.