Ball joints rebuild help
Hey gatago replacing ball joints would like to know what is recommend for lubricate ? work shop Manuel say to use fiat tutela z2 I can not find it any where any ideas ? Thanks
ah ok. You'll prob get 100 different opinions on this, but I just use Lucus Heavy (green I think). The most important thing to look at is that it's safe for the boots. I used that because it's what I use on my trucks and tractors, and with the insane abuse those parts get over the years, I never had a problem. I also take the time to check how the boots are doing and replace them at the sign of any damage, and I re-grease any ball joints that are in good shape while I have the suspension apart. These do fail often on the 430s (360s also I think) but I think we can extend the life of the part with better preventative maintenance. I'm sure you've researched, but Hill Engineering makes aftermarket ball joints that are supposedly longer lasting due to solid SS construction vs plated ferrari part. Not sure if this is actually true or not, but theory makes sense.
Wasn’t there a debate about not using any lubricant with the HE ones?m because of some fancy coating? FWIW, I replaced mine with HE and didn’t live them. The original I took out from Ferrari were corroded and had no trace of lube either. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
If I recall that youtuber that did a bunch of F430 DIY vids posted a vid saying that yes, HE ball joints need lube.
I have read Aldous Voice postings never says any thing about lubricant at all and he is very detailed on how too. I know you have too use something that will not degrade the rubber boot.
It is pointless putting normal grease in them as it will not get into the ball part of the joint- use some synthetic chain grease in a spray can- like they use on motor bike chains. It goes on like WD 40 and will get into the ball and then set like grease. You will need to use the long plastic tube down through the top of the seal and leave it to dry, then turn the arm over and do the same from the other side. Do u have a procedure on how to change the ball joints
Mike32 DAMN good idea ! I use that on my Ducati motorcycles so not to harm the rubber seals on the chain and even smells good
Yes just left a local machine shop just now had them made for the bushing and ball joints looks like the factory tools they use
I did my front ball joints about 3 years ago and all fine, mind you they are hill engineering and stainless. Old ferrari ones had 3000 miles on, chrome falling off and nylon bush chewed to hell. what ever you do dont fit ferrari bits as useless. Hill parts are same price or cheaper for usa buyers from superperformance in uk as exchange rate your way, delivery in a few days
Replacing every thing with Hill Engineering tie rods in front and back all the ball joints upper and lower great stuff !!
A point of caution when you put the allen bolts back into the ball joints. Use a short allen key to tighten them, rather than a socket allen key and ratchet- it lets you feel the bolt screwing in so you dont cross the threads, then torque it up. Flamblocs will come apart and u can wirebrush and grease them
Mike32 good to know I pulled the flamblocs apart and put them in a parts tumbler walnut shells came out looking new. But I decided to go with SuperFormance flamblocs they seem to be better quality
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Pretty sure the WSM showing lube on the boot is to get the boot over the lip without damaging them and it has nothing to do with lubing the ball joint. (That’s my take at least...) Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I make the flamblocs and spherical. As stated no lube necessary but it won’t hurt. Image Unavailable, Please Login Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
When i started to remove the ball joints, i could feel the resistance of the flambloc. The arm was stiff to move up and down. After i had stripped and cleaned it, i sprayed it with synthetic chain lub which resist the water. Afterwards Refitting i could lift the arm and it would drop under its own weight.
You could very well be right as grease does not go up hill. Thats the advantage of the chain lub as its thin enough to get right into the sphere of the ball joint, then set like grease.