i have a 94 ext cab 4x4. I searched Yotatech for a link and couldnt find one on this. Is there a link or write up with instructions on removing the plug from the ball joint and installing a grease fitting? Is it possible to do this or do you have to buy new ball joints with the fitting pre installed and what is the part number or correct name and size of the new grease fitting?
thanks

 

sorry... "this is write-your-own-write-up day"

wish I could help though, but I don't know the correct size for the "ZERK" fitting. (hint hint 1/3 figured out)

 

ok, here is my write my own write up. In both the Haines and Toyo manual I own there is not one word about removing the old ball joint plug and replacing it with a new ZERK fitting. Its a conspiracy, a clever ploy by the authors of these books to force you to by a whole new part when all you need is the ZERK fitting.
I hope that helps anyone with this similar problem

 

on the up side, if you pull the plug, and the hole is tapped, then you just need to figure out the bolt diameter and thread pitch.
probably 1/4-20, but who knows.

 

I seem to remember a 6mm zerk fits perfect. I think I used the angled ones, other wise it'd be real hard to get the gun tip on it. I've never actually greased them though.

I guess it was the straight for the upper ones:


And 90* angled for the lower ones:

 

I added the pics in hopes of getting a fish, hehe.

 

THATS SWEET! thanks for the pic. Unfortunately the ocean is blown out today and the vis is crappy. Should it get better soon I will not only get you a fish I will throw in an octopus!!
thanks again
D

 

Kinda doubtful.
It would be metric.




Fred

 

It is a common metric size. The lower plug has a pretty tight clearance with the steering knuckle. From a moisture intrusion standpoint, I think the best way to go is to remove the plug, grease, and replace the plug. Get as much weight off the ball joint as you can before greasing. Otherwise, the grease does not get between the surfaces of the joint.

 

In a greaseable bj, the "ball" has grooves cut into it to facilitate spreading the grease. All that would be required would be to grease it, then go drive around the block to spread it out.

 

In the picture from mt_goat, it looks like he has the factory ball joint with the rubber nipple, which should face the rear of the vehicle. Would'nt it be easier to inject grease through the rubber nipple with a needle? If the rubber bellow has a good supply grease in it, should't that be supplying the joint with adequate grease by design? You can do a lot of damage by pumping gease into a balljoint, and just wondering what is the best method or what is really necessary for OEM balljoints.

 

Yeah, I use the OEM ball joints and yes the seem to have a lot of grease in them already. That's why I've yet to add any grease.

Even this ball joint that I trashed on a rough trail seemed to have plenty of grease in it. I cut the boot off to get a look at it:

 

I think the American size works too, I took a zerk off an old chevy blazer b.j. I had in the scrap pile, and it fit fine.

 

thats bad...lol, You shoulda seen the one I took off the blazer...it was almost that bad...and the owner drove it daily.... kinda terrifying to know people drive on stuff like that.

 

6mm converted to inches is: .236 inches. So 1/4 inch would be close. Not sure if the thread pitch is the same or not. I'm sure you could force one in but you wouldn't be able to go back to the 6mm bolt.