How do you lube 3PT ball joints?

[MicroPilot]

Like the topic says. Seems like if I smear grease on the "ball" it doesn't really get in where it really needs to be. Is there some other way to do this?

 

[slowrev]

I have dropped my lift arms all the way and put the ball ends into a coffee can of oil leaned over and let it soak a while. Do the same with top link, just poke put the ball ends in a can of oil and let it soak a while, then drip for a while /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You can also rotate them in their socket while applying grease, works ok.

 

[DocHeb]

I use aerosol white-lithium grease. It's nice since it doesn't drip afterwards.

 

[Soundguy]

I used to lube mine.. but found they picked up dirt like crazy.. which then became an agressive grinding compound. I just let mine run clean and dry now.

Soundguy

 

[BubbaJr]

I spray mine with WD-40 and then wipe off the excess. That keeps the rust under control, and doesn't collect much dirt and gunk.

 

[slowzuki]

Clean and dry, have been for oh, well the tractor is almost 30 years old with 8000 hours.

Wore enough they are easier to spin but they do still stick if left a month or two.

Ken

 

[oliver28472]

Lockease spray graphite. Does not attract dirt. Also on the PTO splines.

 

[higgy]

Like Soundguy, I leave mine dry, but then I live in a dry climate. I have some that have not been used in several years and they still spin freely.

 

[Varmintmist]

Grease and an old glove. They will rust and freeze up in about a week if they are not lubed with this weather. Just enough for a coat on them.

 

[Currmudgeon]

I use motor oil, squirted on the balls and then rolled into the housing. I believe this is what my JD manual called for.

It has the disadvantage of attracting dirt which may cause wear, but it inhibits rust which also causes wear.