grease fittings

[RickMe]

Mechanic recommended putting grease fittings
in new PT Cruiser ('02). What do you say?

[Grouch]

Not necessary might do more harm than good if some idiot puts too much grease in and blows the seals. Most cars built in he last 10 or 15 years haven't had grease fitting witch makes me wonder what decade your mechanic is stuck in

[Sci-Fi]

Believe the snapped off grease fitting is also an indicator of when to replace the ball joint. Here's a quote from the service manual:
"DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BALL JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road wheels, grasp the headless grease fitting. With no mechanical assistance or added force, attempt to move the grease fitting. If the ball joint is worn, the grease fitting will move. If movement is noted, replace the ball joint."

[MX-5]

Page 2-2 of the 2003 service manual:

STANDARD PROCEDURE - LUBRICATION
There are no serviceable lubrication points on the
front suspension. The front lower ball joints have
grease fittings which have had the head snapped off
by the manufacturer after they have been filled. This
has been done to eliminate the possibility of damaging
the non-vented seals. Grease will not leak from
the broken grease fittings. The ball joints are sealed
for life and require no maintenance.
CAUTION: No attempt should be made to replace
the ball joint grease fitting with a new fitting, then
filling the ball joint with grease. Damage to the
grease seal can result.


Your mechanic must have stopped his training and education about 10 years ago.
I own a shop and am Master ASE certified. You must keep up with new designs and technology.

Don't grease the ball joints. They are not designed internally to accept more grease.

From page 2-13:
LOWER BALL JOINT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BALL JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the headless grease fitting as shown
(Fig. 18). With no mechanical assistance or added
force, attempt to move the grease fitting. If the ball
joint is worn, the grease fitting will move. If movement
is noted, replace the ball joint.

CAUTION: No attempt should be made to service
the headless grease fitting on the ball joint. It has
been purposely snapped off by the manufacturer to
avoid over-greasing.

That info is right from the maker of the PT Cruiser.

[RickMe]

Well, here it is some 13 yrs later - I took your advice and left the ball joints alone. This year I've replaced the timing belt, water pump, broken flywheel, and front struts, but a "clank !" on right side when hitting potholes persists. Is it the ball joint now needing replacement?

[NitroPT]

Originally Posted by MX-5

Page 2-2 of the 2003 service manual:



Your mechanic must have stopped his training and education about 10 years ago.
I own a shop and am Master ASE certified. You must keep up with new designs and technology.

Don't grease the ball joints. They are not designed internally to accept more grease.



That info is right from the maker of the PT Cruiser.

To bad my fellow ASE is not around anymore we would have fun on the boards!

Originally Posted by RickMe

Well, here it is some 13 yrs later - I took your advice and left the ball joints alone. This year I've replaced the timing belt, water pump, broken flywheel, and front struts, but a "clank !" on right side when hitting potholes persists. Is it the ball joint now needing* replacement?

Nice!


* also lower control arm bushings may be in need of replacement and also check the strut.