Ain't necessarily so. When I was working for a transportation outfit, I drove a brand new Ford E-250 van. The OEM sealed ball joints had to be replaced at 30K miles. As it was still under warranty, the new ones were also sealed. I asked my mechanic if units with grease fittings would've been a better choice. He said no, on the Ford full size vans, greaseable ball joints don't last any longer than the sealed units. Didn't make sense to me, but he works on these vehicles every day, I'll defer to him.
How lond are ball joints suposed to last.
- Thread starter CAJUNLAWYER
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Ain't necessarily so. When I was working for a transportation outfit, I drove a brand new Ford E-250 van. The OEM sealed ball joints had to be replaced at 30K miles. As it was still under warranty, the new ones were also sealed. I asked my mechanic if units with grease fittings would've been a better choice. He said no, on the Ford full size vans, greaseable ball joints don't last any longer than the sealed units. Didn't make sense to me, but he works on these vehicles every day, I'll defer to him.
Straightshooter2
US Veteran
My Dakota had to be replaced around 80,000. Unfortunately, unlike the older Dodges where you used a socket and 3/4" ratchet to remove the joint and replace it, they are now built in and to change them, you have to replace the upper A-frame.
CW
CW
vigil617
US Veteran
I would say that as lond as you drease them redurally, they will last a lond, lond time. 
Hillbilly77
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I would say that as lond as you drease them redurally, they will last a lond, lond time.
I see what you dig there!
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dereksfl
Member
Every GM truck I had the ball joints never lasted long. When I lived in NH I had a brand new truck where the ball joints didn't pass inspection with 48 miles on the truck. Replaced with Monore and had grease fittings put in them. Never had any problems with longevity ever since. My Ford pick ups always had grease fittings installed not an issue. But Cajun had 387K miles on his...I think he got his money worth out of those ball joints.
gregintenn
Member
Time for a new car you cheap ####!!!!!!!!!!!
indiandave
Member
I don't know about trucks, but the Ball joint in my right shoulder lasted 53 years of hard use before it needed work. The "mechanic" said it should now last the rest of my life. But he didn't give me a warranty.
Caj, when your front wheels are laid out like the legs on a giraffe getting a drink, you're supposed to fix it.
I would say that as lond as you drease them redurally, they will last a lond, lond time.
I don't think our illustrious Counselor has gotten it yet.
Sawfish
Member
I have to side with the Cajun on this one. My "Old Blue" is a 1993 Suburban K2500, 7.4L with 172,000 actual miles. It still has all of its original joints, which were all equipped with grease fittings from the factory. This truck was made in the Chevrolet Truck Plant, located in Janesville, USA. The answer "get a new one" does not apply any more, as you cannot buy a vehicle made of iron and steel.
The new Suburbans are low to the ground, made of politically correct plastic, pot metal and polymers, so they can be Obama approved. None of which contribute to longevity. I never thought that I would hear the phrase "My Bumper is broken", but it is commonplace today. I will be happy to replace Old Blue's ball joints or anything else it needs to keep it rolling. Had it into the stealership last year for a front end alignment, and the service manager told me that the mechanic said the steering was a "little loose", and probably needed some parts replaced because it was so old. Estimate $650! I do most of my own work (which is nigh impossible on new trucks), and I found that the looseness was caused by worn end link bushings on the stabilizer bar ($12.00 installed by me!). Sorry for the rant, but sometime new is not better!
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David LaPell
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That's why I like my 74 F-100, no ball joints at all, good old I-beam suspension and kingpins, forty years old and rides great.
JonF
Member
To #54........The ball joints in my hips are starting to go.
I was made in 1939, so
I must agree that they don't mak'um like they usta......!
I was made in 1939, so
I must agree that they don't mak'um like they usta......!
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LVSteve
Member
367,500 mile?? You've had your money's worth whether they are greaseable or not. I'll tell you this for certain, in the UK with the road salt and the rigorous annual inspections, they would have been done at 67,500, never mind the odd 300k more.
luangtom
US Veteran
Amen to this...my 2006 Mustang GT lost its ball-joints at 75,000-miles. They were "lubed for life"......NOT. Replaced with after-market with fittings.
Doug M.
Member
Last I knew, if they lasted over four hours, you're supposed to seek medical attention. 
Squarebutt
Member
Seems like nothing lasts any more. Better see if there's a recall on those things. 
I've had to do mine on my Super Duty twice, and am just now at 200k miles. Consider yourself fortunate
My 2001 2WD Super Duty is at about 150K and is screaming to have a couple ball joints replaced, probably a tie rod end as well.
I think Cajun owes the maker of his original ball joints a good stiff drink!
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