Upper Control Arm Lube

[rob289c]

I have aftermarket, OEM-Style upper control arms with the 90 degree grease fittings. I've tried to grease them but they won't accept grease. Do I need to loosen the large nuts on the ends of the arms? Is there a trick I'm overlooking? They have been installed for two summer driving seasons...about 3000 miles. Any insight will be appreciated.

 

[2+2GT]

Do NOT loosen the big nuts.

With 3000 miles, it should be possible to grease them. Is the tool squarely on the zerk? What year is the car? 67-73 require unique Mustang grease fittings, and they are a good idea on 64-66.

 

[j69302]

with my grease gun I have to unscrew the end, push it onto the zerk, then tighten the end down. I still have to push the end of the hose onto the zerk and pump.

 

[rob289c]

I have the correct 90 degree Mustang-specific zerk fittings (CJ Pony Parts). I get the gun on the fitting squarely but when I try to pump, no grease flows. I have no trouble with the ball jonts and tie rods but can't get grease into the upper arms. It's like the fittings are plugged but I know they're not.

 

[tx65coupe]

When we installed new upper A arms we got the complete ones. They wouldn't take very much grease either. I think thats normal though.

 

[rob289c]

I'd be happy if they only took a little...these won't take any. I'll try again in a day or so.

 

[68RCodeConv]

This is not unusual. Some people cut grooves into the shaft so that the grease can flow into the arm bushings. This requires disassembling the arm. IMO if they are not squeaking then I would not worry about it.

 

[2+2GT]

This is not unusual. Some people cut grooves into the shaft so that the grease can flow into the arm bushings. This requires disassembling the arm. IMO if they are not squeaking then I would not worry about it.

True. If you get too crazy with new arms, such as pneumatic grease gun, you can actually force the seals out of the caps.

 

[zigmont]

I'd be happy if they only took a little...these won't take any. I'll try again in a day or so.

When I bought my 65, the upper control arm on the driver's side was squeaking. I could not get any grease into either of the control arms, so I decided to heat the large hex huts (caps) on the ends of the control arms to melt the old hard grease and it worked. I was able to pump in the new grease and stop the squeaking. As I said, it worked for me, but I would only recommend this as a last resort as you could get them too hot and destroy the seals.

 

[palerider94]

They have a needle attachment for grease gun for squeezing in tight places - I know this is not your issue but wondering if you tried that approach if you get any different results.

 

[pabear89]

I have the correct 90 degree Mustang-specific zerk fittings (CJ Pony Parts). I get the gun on the fitting squarely but when I try to pump, no grease flows. I have no trouble with the ball jonts and tie rods but can't get grease into the upper arms. It's like the fittings are plugged but I know they're not.

Try unscrewing the zerk fitting a half a turn out.
Sometimes they bottom out on the shaft and will not allow grease to flow.
I have one that needs to be lossened a 1/4 turn when greasing it.
After servicing it just retighten.

 

[rob289c]

That's a good idea (loosening). I'll try it this weekend. These arms are new ( 2 seasons, about 3500 miles) so I'm sure they're still lubed from the factory but I want to make sure I keep them that way. Hopefully loosening the zirk will do the trick. Thanks for all the advice.

Rob

 

[rob289c]

I loosened the zirk end but not the 90 degree part that threads into the control arm. Still didn't take grease. I'll have to try loosening the 90 degree end and see what happens. I already put the tires back on so it will be lateer in the season. I needed the jackstands to work on another car in the fleet...