Do sealed ball joints need grease?
Most sealed ball joints are designed to be lubricated for life and do not require ongoing grease. If your joint is not sealed-for-life but greaseable, it will need periodic lubrication per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What sealed ball joints are and how they differ
Understanding the categories helps you know what to expect in maintenance, inspections, and replacement. The following outlines the main types and their lubrication approach.
- Sealed-for-life ball joints: Pre-filled with grease and permanently sealed by the boot and seals; they are not intended to be re-greased and should be replaced if worn or leaking.
- Greaseable (serviceable) ball joints: Include a grease fitting or a design that allows lubrication; they require periodic re-lubrication with the correct chassis grease at manufacturer-specified intervals.
- Other considerations: Some vehicles use "lifetime-lubricated" language that means extended service life rather than truly infinite; always follow the OEM schedule and check the boot for damage, which can compromise lubrication.
In practice, most modern passenger cars use sealed-for-life joints, while older or heavy-duty vehicles may employ greaseable designs. Check the owner's manual or service bulletin for your model to confirm the lubrication requirements.
Do you still need grease if you have sealed joints?
No. For sealed-for-life joints, adding grease is not recommended and will not extend service life. In some cases, attempting to grease a sealed joint can push grease past seals, attract dirt, or damage the boot. If a sealed joint shows wear, the correct repair is replacement of the entire joint or axle assembly as required by the manufacturer.
When greaseable joints are used
If your vehicle uses greaseable joints, follow these guidelines:
- Use the grease type specified by the manufacturer (usually a high-quality lithium complex or molybdenum disulfide grease).
- Lubricate at manufacturer-recommended intervals, typically during major service or oil changes, or as indicated by the service schedule.
- Inspect the grease fittings and boots for damage; replace boot if cracked or torn to prevent contamination.
- Replace joints in greaseable design according to wear signs or as per OEM guidance; wear can cause looseness, clunking, alignment issues, and uneven tire wear.
Failure to maintain greaseable joints at the recommended intervals can accelerate wear, compromise steering and suspension alignment, and lead to costly repairs.
Signs of wear and what to do
Whether your joints are sealed or greaseable, watch for similar symptoms of wear that indicate a need for service:
- Unusual clunking or knocking from the front suspension when going over bumps.
- Excessive play or "slop" in the wheel when you move it by hand.
- Uneven tire wear or pulling to one side during driving or braking.
- Visible boot damage, grease leakage, or rust around the joint area.
If you notice these signs, have a qualified technician inspect the joints and replace as required, ideally in pairs for symmetrical wear to preserve steering geometry.
Summary
Most newer vehicles use sealed-for-life ball joints that do not require grease. Some applications still use greaseable joints that need periodic lubrication per the OEM guidelines. Always check the owner's manual or service bulletin for your specific model and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. When in doubt, rely on a professional technician to assess wear and perform replacements to maintain proper steering and safety.
