Re: 86-5kt lower ball joints

[Andrei Talalaevskii <andrei@insti.physics.sunysb.edu>]

> 
> I just picked up new ball joint covers for my four ringed rathole :)  At $20
> a pop I swear there must be gold linings in 'em, but I fail to see such
> precious metal-just plain old rubber.
>
Look at it as at the good deal. If you would have changed the BJs 
themselves, even though  they costed you the same, you would have to do a 
wheel alignment. That's why do not unscrew a BJ from the control arm 
when you work on it.
 
> Has anyone changed and lubed said ball joints/covers...how do I get the
> funny spring clips off and on without damaging these expensive pieces of
> rubber?  
Use needle-nose pliers. Apply some grease to avoid tearing.


> Can I use plastic tie-wraps instead so I don't break the rubber?
>
In principle yes, but I see no reason. It won't hold as good as a metal clip.

 
> What kind of grease do I use, and do I just put in on the top of the ball
> joint-I don't see any grease fittings.
> 
It won't heart to use a special CV joint grease (Lithium based). It is 
available from Pep Boys. 

Please send me a pn of that bj boot. Does anyone know the pn of bj and 
tie-rod boots for 4kq and Golf?

Andrei