Greasable Ball Joints - Dana 30

[dandoc]

So I'm in the process of replacing both upper and both lower ball joints on my front axle (Dana 30). I removed the brake equipment, hubs, axle shafts, and knuckles. Today I installed the passenger side ball joints, both came with the zerk grease fittings. I took liberty and flushed out the factory grease and installed a 90º zerk fitting on the lower ball joint for future grease applictaions. Things were going fine until I installed the axle shaft.... NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE FOR A ZERK FITTING! :shock: I removed the 90º fitting and installed a straight zerk... still no luck.

Turns out I can't use any zerk-style grease fitting. Now I've got a greasable lower ball joint with an open hole in the top, begging dirt & other undersireables to enter the ball joint when I take the Jeep out for a drive. At this point I can't take it back to the store, and I certainly don't want to remove it from the axle. What can/should I do about this hole? I've thought about getting a needle grease fitting but don't know if it will fit (depth). Suggestions welcome and needed... fast!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

This is common, and the grease fitting is included only for the initial lubricating and during service when the axleshaft is removed. Your balljoint should have included a plug for the hole that will clear the axleshaft.

 

[dandoc]

No plug was included with the balljoint. I guess I'll have to find something of a proper size that will serve that purpose and still clear the axle shaft.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Many hardware stores have a section near the bolts that are trays of odds and ends, many have trays of grease zerks and may have the plugs.

Auto parts stores should have them.

 

[dandoc]

Thanks, Bounty. If I find nothing in the stores, I may end up using RTV gasket maker.

 

[Jeepr]

I may end up using RTV gasket maker.

I have done that too, when the little plug went missing..