How do you lube 3PT ball joints?

MicroPilot · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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

Soundguy · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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

higgy · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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 · Sep 8, 2004

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.

slowrev · Sep 8, 2004

When I bought my old IH 2444 a few years ago, it had a nice weight bracket on the rear. Well after having it for a while I decided to take it off and do a bit of bush hoggin. Spent 2 hours or more getting one ball loose from the hitch pin...PB Balster, heat , beat, puller with impact, etc. I always lube now /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

beenthere · Sep 8, 2004

I don't grease (has worked just fine for 35 yrs) but I keep the tractor under shed roof so no problem. If I have to leave it outside, I mist it with WD-40.

I don't like the mess that grease provides, mainly. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Knight9 · Sep 8, 2004

I too use WD40. Quick spray and move the ball around. Seems to work well for me.

Kevin

OkieG · Sep 8, 2004

I'm another WD-40 fan. Penetrates well and doesn't seem to collect debris. I don't spray on a regular schedule, but I do spray often.

OkieG

B7500 · Sep 8, 2004

When I use to work for the NAVY refurbishing aircraft WD-40 was banned. They said it contains an acid (that's why it frees rusty bolts).
I don't know if that's true but I, too, use it on my ball links.
It works great!
-Terry

BIGUN · Sep 8, 2004

( 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. )

Ditto

KiotiJohn · Sep 9, 2004

Now that I use Pat's EZ Change to hook up, I don't worry with the ball sockets, but I was using silicone spray on them to keep any moisture in check and free movement. This worked well and didn't build up dirt. John

MicroPilot · Sep 9, 2004

So far here's the count:

Code:<hr /><pre>
* WD-40 6
* Dry 3
* Motor Oil 2
* Grease 2
* Lithium Grease 1
* Graphite 1
* Silicone Spray 1
</pre><hr />

I've used WD-40 and Silicone and they don't seem to last. Grease doesn't want to go where it needs to be and is messy. Dry is...well.....dry. I'll try the motor oil. Used or new oil? I seem to have plenty of used oil now for some reason.

JerryG · Sep 9, 2004

Since you are counting.

"Dry"

slowrev · Sep 9, 2004

Used oil should be fine, you are just keeping it from seizing up and making the pins slide in easier. It is gonna get dirty soon anyway. I spray mine off when I do tractor cleanup and relube with something, basically whatever is slick and handy /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif