Heim Joints

[dodj]

This morning the DW and I went for a cruise...and the front end groaned and creaked an embarrassing amount. After we got home I jounced the car and the noise was coming from the ps strut rod heim joint.

I opted to not buy Hotchkis control arms because of the reported issues with heim joints.
However, a few years ago, ignoring what I knew about heim joints...... I bought adjustable strut rods with heim joints. Bad decision I guess.

So...how do you quiet down a heim joint? It's not loose or worn. Probably no more than 4 or 5K miles on them. I sprayed penetrating oil on it and it's fine at the moment....but I'm sure it is only a short term fix.
Do I toss these strut rods in the bin or is there some maintenance for these joints I'm unaware of?

[Brads70]

I always have used these and never had an issue.
https://www.qa1.net/automotive/rod-ends-ball-joints/rod-ends/a-series

and seals where I can.
https://sealsit.com/product/rod-end-seal/

[Chryco Psycho]

Pack Marine grease into them not spray oils .

[dodj]

Pack Marine grease into them not spray oils .

How? Nowhere to put the grease

[70rag383]

I had exactly the same problem with my aftermarket upper control arms. I first spray the joint with WD-40 to clean it and then spray again with silicone grease. I do this annually when I put the car away for the winter. Works very well and is not messy at all.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Never had an issue. Wish I could remember what brand mine are, too long ago since install 

[Chryco Psycho]

If you roll the center over 90* you can pack grease in there , but they have to be unbolted to do it .

[dodj]

Never had an issue. Wish I could remember what brand mine are, too long ago since install 

We have the same ones Biggs.
Chryco, i unbolted them and moved them all around but didn't see how I could get any grease in there?

[dodj]

I had exactly the same problem with my aftermarket upper control arms. I first spray the joint with WD-40 to clean it and then spray again with silicone grease. I do this annually when I put the car away for the winter. Works very well and is not messy at all.

Well, I'll do this for the rest of the season. If they start to creak and groan again I'll look into those QA1 pieces and give them a try.
Thanks all 

[rikkitik]

 If/when, mine ever become an issue,  I'll probably just order a set of hiems with zerks from McMaster.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hinges/ball-joint-rod-ends-with-grease-fitting-10/

[Racer57]

Never had an issue. Wish I could remember what brand mine are, too long ago since install 

We have the same ones Biggs.
Chryco, i unbolted them and moved them all around but didn't see how I could get any grease in there?

Remove the heim. Rotate it one direction and smear grease on the ball. Then rotate it the opposite direction and smear grease on the ball again. Keep working it around smearing the grease and it will get covered.