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Grease Requirements for Steering & Suspension Parts

Greaseable Design

Most original equipment chassis parts are non-serviceable, meaning the grease they were filled with at the factory is the only protection against contaminants, corrosion, and wear that those parts will ever get.

To ensure maximum service life and smooth operation, many MOOG® chassis parts feature a greaseable design. This design allows new lubricant to flush contaminants away, reducing corrosion and wear; MOOG recommends that these components be serviced on a regular basis to extend the service life.

MOOG serviceable components include:

  • Ball Joints
  • Tie Rod Ends
  • Sway Bar Links
  • Drag Links and Center Links
  • Idler Arms
  • Pitman Arms
  • U-Joints

Why You Should Grease

Greasing chassis parts allows the flow of fresh lubricants to all critical areas while flushing contaminated grease from the joint. In addition, fresh grease also lubricates better than old grease that has broken down from time, heat and contamination. This ensures ball stud movement is well lubricated and the socket is full of grease, which keeps out contaminants and prolongs the life of the component.

During the greasing process, the flow of fresh grease is directed across the bearing surfaces, displacing any accumulated debris away from the ball and bearing assembly. The grease relief valve found in all MOOG dust boots shuts out moisture and debris while ensuring proper fill levels by releasing excess grease.

In addition, the ability to grease the part also seals the component by fully filling the cavities of the dust boot. A part completely full of grease is an excellent seal because there is no place for water to occupy.

Identification Procedure

The best way to know if a MOOG part is greaseable is to look for the presence of a zerk fitting. This photo shows the zerk fitting that is the hallmark of a MOOG part with a greaseable design.

Moog ball joint.

On applications with tight clearances and on the end of the cap on MOOG Super Strength® U-joints, a low-profile grease fitting is used. A needle fitting is required to inject grease for these applications.

When Should MOOG Chassis Parts Be Greased?

The conditions in which the vehicle operates in needs to be accounted for when choosing a maintenance schedule. Mileage isn’t the only factor to consider – how is the vehicle used? Is it a light commercial vehicle? Does it sit for extended periods of time? Is it used for delivery services or ridesharing? Or maybe it’s driven in wet, muddy, sandy or salty conditions? These heavy use and severe conditions increase the likelihood of contamination that can cause premature wear.

While MOOG greaseable parts come greased from the factory, they should also be greased at the time of installation to fill the dust boot and lubricate the interface between the boot and mating part. After installation, MOOG recommends greasing these parts at each oil change for heavy-duty vehicles and at every tire rotation (i.e., annually) for standard-duty vehicles.

Maintenance Procedure

When greasing MOOG chassis parts, a hand grease gun is preferred. If a pressured grease gun is used, take care not to exceed the grease relief valve’s output to prevent damage to the boot. MOOG engineers suggest using a premium heavy-duty NLGI #2 lithium or synthetic grease.




Ball joint up close.

Getting Ready
Before starting, take time to inspect the parts for damage. Examine the boots for damage and splitting. In addition, be sure to check for loose play and other signs of wear. If any damage or wear is present, the chassis part should be replaced.


Mechanic working on suspension.

Greasing Procedure
Clean the grease fitting of any old grease and contamination to prevent it from entering through the grease fitting.

Pump grease slowly into the component until the old grease and contaminants are flushed out of the assembly through the grease relief valve (found where the boot contacts the stud).

If the old grease does not exit the unit, fill the assembly until the boot starts to swell but don’t overfill the boot.

After greasing each chassis part, be sure to wipe the grease fitting and surrounding area clean to prevent contaminants from building up on and around the grease fitting and boot.



The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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