How many pumps of grease for new ball joints?

Most serviceable new ball joints with grease fittings require about 2–3 pumps of a grease gun. However, many modern ball joints are sealed for life and should not be greased unless the manufacturer explicitly instructs otherwise.

This article explains how to determine whether your new ball joints are serviceable or sealed, how to grease them correctly if they have fittings, and the practical considerations professionals use to avoid overgreasing or damaging components. It reflects current automotive maintenance guidance and manufacturer recommendations to help you make informed作 decisions.

Understanding ball joints and lubrication

Ball joints come in two broad categories: serviceable joints that accept grease via a zerk fitting, and sealed-for-life joints designed to retain lubrication for the life of the part. The lubrication approach you take depends on which type you have, so the first step is to verify the joint’s serviceability.

Serviceable vs sealed joints

Serviceable ball joints have grease fittings (zerks) and are intended to be re-lubricated periodically. Sealed joints are pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and typically do not require, or permit, additional greasing. Always check the vehicle’s service manual or the replacement part’s packaging to confirm which type you’re dealing with.

Before you perform any lubrication, confirm the joint type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The following guidance applies primarily to serviceable joints with zerks.

Guidelines for serviceable ball joints with grease fittings

• Begin with 2 pumps of grease from a standard automotive grease gun. If your gun is low-volume or uses a smaller nozzle, equivalently count to 2–3 strokes.


• Look for fresh grease appearing at the joint edge or around the boot after the initial two pumps. Stop once you see clean grease, indicating the joint is adequately lubricated.


• Use the correct grease specification for automotive ball joints (typically a lithium-based or lithium complex EP grease with NLGI #2 grade; always verify compatibility with your vehicle).


• Keep the area around the grease fitting clean to prevent contamination. Wipe away excess grease and inspect the boot for tears or leaks.


• Avoid over-greasing, which can push grease into seals or into the brake components, potentially causing damage or reduced performance.

In practice, start with two pumps and add a third only if no grease appears after the initial pumps, and you must ensure you do not exceed the joint’s lubrication capacity.

Practical considerations for new installations

Many new ball joints installed on modern vehicles are sealed-for-life or pre-lubricated and should not be greased unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify otherwise. If the joint is labeled or packaged as “greaseable” or “serviceable,” follow the specific lubrication procedure provided by the manufacturer.

When to grease or skip

The decision to grease depends on the joint type and vehicle guidance. The following points help you decide the right course of action:

• If the part is labeled “sealed for life” or lacks a grease fitting, do not attempt to grease it.


• If the vehicle’s service manual or the replacement part’s instructions call for lubrication, use the specified grease and procedure.


• For heavy-use applications (off-road, towing, or high-mileage fleets), check the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication intervals and maximum grease amounts.


• During inspection, look for boot damage or grease leakage, which can indicate a compromised joint or seal and may require replacement rather than further lubrication.

When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s service manual or a qualified technician to avoid unintentionally voiding warranties or harming components.

Summary

Key takeaways: Many new ball joints are sealed for life and should not be greased unless explicitly directed. If you have a serviceable joint with a grease fitting, a typical starting point is 2 pumps, up to 3 if necessary, until fresh grease appears. Always use the grease type specified by the manufacturer, keep the area clean, and avoid over-greasing. When in doubt, verify the joint type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper lubrication and longevity.

How many pumps of grease are in a ball joint?

You should apply about 3 to 5 pumps of grease for ball joints, or pump until you see the rubber dust boot begin to plump up or bulge slightly. Stop pumping as soon as you see new grease starting to ooze out from the boot, and do not overfill, as this can damage the joint. 
Greasing process

• Connect the grease gun: Attach the grease gun to the fitting, or "zerk," on the ball joint. 
• Pump slowly: Give it a few pumps, checking the boot after each one. 
• Watch for the boot: Continue pumping slowly until the rubber boot just starts to bulge or firm up. 
• Stop at the first sign of overflow: Once you see a small amount of fresh grease begin to ooze out from the edge of the boot, stop pumping immediately. This ensures the joint is full enough without damaging the boot with too much pressure. 
• Clean up: Wipe away any excess grease that has come out. 

Important considerations

• Follow manufacturer recommendations: Always check your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions, as amounts can vary. 
• Don't overdo it: Over-greasing can damage the boot and is counterproductive. 
• New vs. old joints: New ball joints may require a little more grease to fill them initially, especially if they have been on a shelf for a long time. 
• Check your type of ball joint: Some ball joints are "sealed" and do not have a grease fitting and do not need to be greased. 

Do new ball joints need grease?

Yes, you need to grease new ball joints, especially those with a zerk fitting, and it is recommended to add grease after installation to ensure they are adequately lubricated for maximum longevity. Some new ball joints are "sealed" and pre-greased, but they may still benefit from additional lubrication, particularly if you see a zerk fitting that can be installed. 
This video demonstrates how to grease a ball joint with a grease gun: 58sExpertVillage Leaf GroupYouTube · Dec 12, 2020
For ball joints with a zerk fitting

• Install the fitting: If the zerk fitting is not pre-installed, screw it into the ball joint after it is securely in place. 
• Grease the joint: Use a grease gun to pump high-quality chassis grease into the fitting until the boot just starts to bulge or fresh grease appears. Be careful not to over-grease, which can damage the boot. 
• Regular maintenance: After installation, continue to grease the ball joints at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer, such as at every oil change for heavy-duty vehicles or annually for standard use. 

You can watch this video to learn how to grease a ball joint with a zerk fitting: 1mCliff's How To ChannelYouTube · Jul 19, 2016
For sealed ball joints

• Check the instructions: Some sealed ball joints do not need extra grease from the factory. However, if a plug is included for a zerk fitting, it is a good idea to install it and grease the joint. 
• Add grease with caution: If you choose to add grease to a sealed ball joint without a zerk fitting, you will need to carefully pierce the rubber boot to inject grease. After greasing, seal the hole with silicone glue to prevent contaminants from entering the joint. This method can be risky, so carefully consider the potential downsides before proceeding. 

How do I know when to stop pumping grease?

For example, estimate the number of inches in the shaft. Multiply that number by itself to get a rough estimate of the number of shots from the grease gun. Apply the last half of these shots slowly, and at the point that you begin to experience resistance, stop pumping.

How much grease do you put in a new ball joint?

Apply grease to a new ball joint until you see it start to ooze out from the rubber boot, which signifies it is full. For standard hand-held grease guns, this is often around 3 to 4 pumps, but the visual cue of the boot is the most reliable indicator.
 
This video demonstrates how to grease ball joints: 1mCliff's How To ChannelYouTube · Jul 19, 2016
Step-by-step guide

• Connect the grease gun: Secure the grease gun to the ball joint's zerk fitting. 
• Pump slowly and watch: Start pumping the grease gun slowly and monitor the rubber boot on the bottom or side of the joint. 
• Stop when it oozes out: Stop pumping as soon as you see fresh grease begin to come out of the boot, as this shows the joint is full. 
• Avoid over-greasing: Do not pump until the boot pops off or you feel extreme resistance, as this can damage the boot. 
• Clean up: Remove the grease gun and wipe away any excess grease from the fitting and boot.