Suspension Guide · Reviewed Oct 3, 2026
What Is the Best Grease for Ball Joints? What to Use and How Often
Most modern ball joints are sealed and need no grease. If yours has a grease fitting, use an NLGI #2 chassis grease and add only a little. Here is how to choose it and apply it safely.
By Alan Williams, independent AMSOIL Dealer since 2004, Tomball, TX
What grease should I use on ball joints?
Use a quality NLGI #2 chassis grease, most commonly a lithium complex grease (often with moly for heavy or off-road use), on joints that have a grease fitting (zerk). Add one or two pumps, just enough to fill the joint without bursting the boot.
If your joints have no fitting, they are sealed for life. Do not drill them. If they clunk or feel loose, replace them instead of greasing.
Sealed vs greaseable ball joints
Most manufacturers fit sealed ball joints that are pre-greased and have no zerk fitting. Greaseable joints have a small nipple so fresh grease can be pushed in and old grease and contaminants pushed out. Check your owner’s manual or look at the joint to see which you have.
- Sealed: no grease needed. Replace when worn.
- Greaseable: lubricate at the interval in your manual, often with each oil change.
- Drilling a zerk into a sealed joint is generally not recommended.
Which grease is best?
| Grease type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium complex, NLGI #2 | Everyday chassis and ball joints | The most common, widely available choice for suspension joints. |
| Lithium or lithium complex with moly | Trucks, towing, off-road | Moly adds extreme-pressure protection for heavy loads. |
| Synthetic chassis grease | Wide temperature range | Check the data sheet for NLGI grade and chassis rating. |
Look for an NLGI #2 grade and a chassis rating on the label. ASTM D4950 and SAE J310 classify automotive greases, and “LB” denotes chassis service. AMSOIL makes synthetic greases, so confirm the NLGI grade and approvals on the product data sheet for your application.
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How to grease a ball joint
- Wipe the zerk fitting clean so dirt does not get pushed in.
- Fit the grease gun squarely on the zerk.
- Pump once or twice, and stop as soon as the boot begins to firm up or swell slightly.
- Wipe off excess grease, and check the boot for tears.
- Repeat for each fitting, and record the date.
More is not better. The boot is a dust seal, not a grease reservoir, so over-pumping can split it.
When to replace instead of grease
Grease cannot fix a worn joint. Signs of a failing ball joint include clunking over bumps, loose or wandering steering, uneven tire wear and a squeak or groan when turning. A torn boot lets in dirt and water, so replace the joint or boot promptly. Worn joints are a safety issue, so have them inspected.
Ball joint grease FAQ
Do all ball joints need grease?
No. Most modern joints are sealed for life. Only joints with a grease fitting need lubrication.
How often should I grease ball joints?
Follow your manual. A common practice is every oil change or every few thousand miles for greaseable joints, and after driving through mud or water.
What NLGI grade is best for ball joints?
NLGI #2 chassis grease is the usual choice.
Can I use any grease on ball joints?
Use a chassis grease with the right NLGI grade. General-purpose or incompatible greases can swell boots or wash out.
Can I add a grease fitting to a sealed ball joint?
It is generally not advised, because sealed joints are designed to stay sealed.
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Sources (checked Oct 3, 2026): Suspension.com: how to grease ball joints · JBA: ball joint greasing · Wikipedia: grease and ASTM D4950 · your vehicle’s service manual
AMSOIL is a registered trademark of AMSOIL INC. LubeOilSales.com is operated by Alan Williams, an independent AMSOIL Dealer (Dealer #1243776), and is not owned or endorsed by AMSOIL INC. If you join through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This guide is general information. Follow your owner’s manual and consult a qualified professional when in doubt. Content last reviewed October 3, 2026.