Hey Guys,

So I finally tackled the ball joint replacement job with the help of several How-To's posted on these forums. Overall it wasn't that bad a job but when I finally got it together and took it for a test drive I found a pretty big problem.

I was driving at about 10-15 mph and put it in 4x4 to test the seals and vac system since it had all been apart for the replacement. This very loud squeaking noise could be heard, followed by a snap, and more squeaking.

I took it out of 4wd and limped home. I should have known, but one of the zerks snapped off and the other was clearly making contact with the U-Joint.

These are Moog Ball Joints and Moog 90-Degree Zerks. I've now got to rip apart the driver size again (at least remove the axle shaft) and try to somehow remove/replace this zerk that snapped off flush at the ball joint.

Anyone have any thoughts on how to accomplish this, or what to do?

Also, can I remove the zerk on the other side without tearing that all the way down?

 

Those Moogs come with a plug as well as the 90 degree zerk for exactly this reason, you install the zerk in order to grease them, then remove it and put in the plug. Yes you can remove the other one without disassembling. As far as the broken one, I would do everything possible to try to get at it with something before tearing it all apart again. Maybe try to drive the short end of a small allen key into whats left of the zerk and turn it out?

 

Ha, I googled "remove broken zerk" to see if there were any tricks and guess what result #2 was...

I'm thinking if we're really lucky, the screwdriver trick will work without removing that shaft, and we can grind them down so that this isn't an issue. You already got a new 90-degree zerk?

 

Sorry, not trying to hijack, but I did the ball joint replacement a month ago with the same Moog ball joints. The clearance between the zerk and the u-joint was very close but no contact when I turned the shaft by hand. Will the clearance be any different when under power in 4wd. Thanks!!!


Fred

 

I did my ball joints about a month ago, probably even read the same write up and it said if you get the 90 you should check for clearance. I put them in to grease then check to see of u joint would hit and it just touched so I put a straight on instead of a plug. Most time my brain doesn’t work until I mess up but for some reason I checked before finishing the job and it’s a good thing I did. Just to make u feel better I was working on the truck late at night and pressed the upper ball joint on the right side first before the bottom and had to remove it!


Fred, it takes that shaft to vibrate or move and it will break the 90. When I did mine I rotated the shaft once and it missed. So I kept spinning it and eventually it just grazed it so I would remove unless you got a 1/8 clearance.

 

So I just finishe with the help of bigric. Ended up taking the nuckle off again and hammering an Allen head up in there and backing it out. Replaced with new ground down 90 degree zerks and put back together. Better than new.

 

Mike, glad to hear you got it out. About how much did you have to grind it down for clearance? Thanks

Fred

 

Well I replaced the zerks and the replacements already had more clearence than the ones that came with the moog joints. Just tool offayve a eigth inch with an angle grinder. There still isn't much clearence but there is enough to leave them on and not have to worry about the alxe shaft or u joint molvimg around and hitting it.

At firestone now uitilizing a lifetime alignment.

 

you also can install straight zerks and buy an 90* adapter for your grease gun.

 

get a flush fitting that requires a needle end to greese.

 

My NAPA Premiums also came with 90degree fittings and cap fittings.

The 90 degree fittings did indeed hit ... but, we put the fitting to the bench grinder for a moment, and it clears

 

Hi Mike.

How much time take you to do this job? I need to make the same thing on mu truck.

 

Honestly it took me about
9 hours. It was easy just took my time. Get a ball joint press for a dana 60 and you will be fine.

 

Thanks Mike.

I will get a shot after new year.. oh by the way...how much did you spend on parts?