Upper Ball Joint

Crankshaft Culture · Post by **Crankshaft Culture** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 10:21 pm

I have noticed a creaking noise from my front-left suspension, especially when going over bumps or potholes (it's super noticeable going over speed bumps). I looked under the van (1989 Delica), and noticed the upper ball joint oozing grease—not good. I have a feeling this is causing the noise, and even if it is, it should be replaced.

Does anyone have a source for this part? I've seen a part number BJ278 online, but short of two units on eBay in Australia, I'm not finding anything for sale. I did go onto MegaZip.net and I believe the part number MB527349 might be the right one or possibly MR241623. Both part numbers can be found on Amazon.

Anyone have any insight on this? Which one do I need?

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Wed Apr 04, 2018 11:06 pm

You need MR241623, but MB527349 is just a discontinued part number for the same thing. The ball joints you're finding on Amazon under either part number are actually Febest 1220-PORTUP ball joints, which work just fine but might not have a grease nipple like the genuine item. Still, at $22 they're not expensive, and hardly anyone uses the grease nipples anyway.
*sighs, shakes head*

It sounds like your ball joints need replacing, but while you're under there also check the subframe mounting nuts, anti-roll bar links and bushes, and lower suspension arm bushes. Those things cause the majority of suspension creaks and groans.

Ralph in Winnipeg · Post by **Ralph in Winnipeg** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:11 am

I found one part on fitinpart for that number.

https://www.fitinpart.sg/index.php?rout ... 623&show=1

I order all my oil and fuel filters from this site and the parts are great, the price is right and they usually ship DHL so they arrive in a few days.

And yes - grease those nipples people!

Ralph in Winnipeg

Crankshaft Culture · Post by **Crankshaft Culture** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:45 am

Growlerbearnz wrote:You need MR241623, but MB527349 is just a discontinued part number for the same thing. The ball joints you're finding on Amazon under either part number are actually Febest 1220-PORTUP ball joints, which work just fine but might not have a grease nipple like the genuine item. Still, at $22 they're not expensive, and hardly anyone uses the grease nipples anyway.
*sighs, shakes head*

It sounds like your ball joints need replacing, but while you're under there also check the subframe mounting nuts, anti-roll bar links and bushes, and lower suspension arm bushes. Those things cause the majority of suspension creaks and groans.

Thank you for the clarification—much appreciated. Interesting they don't come with the grease nipples. This might be a dumb question, but can they be added? I've added different angled ones on my Jeep before. Wasn't sure if they'd just screw in or not.

I'll definitely check out the other parts while I'm down there. And frankly, I'm not 100% sure my creaking isn't coming from the swaybar bushings, but that ball joint definitely needs replacing.

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Thu Apr 05, 2018 2:35 pm

The grease nipple (if there is one) sticks up through the hole in the top of the suspension arm. The nipple itself is just screwed into the top of the ball joint- but a lot of cheaper balljoints are "sealed for life" (a very short life, on our vans) and aren't drilled for the nipple. I don't know for sure if the Febest balljoints have the grease nipple or not, or if they're even drilled for one.

One way to find out...

PS you'll replace both left and right ball joints at the same time, right? Replacing just one ball joint is a guarantee that the other one will fail shortly.