Yes, MOOG recommends regular greasing for their sway bar links after installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This maintenance practice is crucial for the durability and proper function of these vital suspension components.
Greasing helps to maintain the smooth operation of the joints, protect against wear, and prevent the ingress of contaminants such as dirt, water, and road salt. This contributes significantly to maintaining your vehicle's stability and handling characteristics over time.
When to Grease MOOG Sway Bar Links
The recommended greasing schedule for MOOG sway bar links varies depending on the type of vehicle. Adhering to these guidelines ensures your components remain well-lubricated and perform optimally.
Greasing Schedule for MOOG Sway Bar Links
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Greasing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Heavy-Duty | At each oil change |
| Standard-Duty | At every tire rotation (which typically occurs annually) |
Why Regular Greasing is Essential
Regular lubrication of your MOOG sway bar links provides several key benefits:
- Extends Part Lifespan: By reducing friction and wear on internal components, grease significantly prolongs the operational life of the sway bar links.
- Enhances Performance: Properly greased links allow for smoother articulation, which contributes to more consistent vehicle handling, reduced body roll, and a quieter ride.
- Prevents Corrosion: The grease forms a protective barrier that helps to prevent rust and corrosion from damaging the metal parts within the joint, especially in harsh driving conditions.
- Seals Out Contaminants: Grease helps to keep dirt, debris, and moisture from entering the joint, which can otherwise lead to abrasive wear and premature failure.
- Facilitates Inspection: Regular greasing intervals provide an excellent opportunity to visually inspect the sway bar links and other suspension components for any signs of wear, damage, or looseness.
Practical Greasing Tips
To ensure effective greasing of your MOOG sway bar links, consider these practical tips:
- Use the Right Grease: Always use a high-quality chassis grease that is compatible with automotive applications, typically a lithium-based or synthetic grease.
- Clean the Zerk Fitting: Before attaching your grease gun, ensure the grease fitting (also known as a zerk fitting) is clean to prevent pushing dirt into the joint.
- Don't Overfill: Pump grease slowly until you observe a slight bulge in the rubber boot around the joint. This indicates the joint is adequately filled without being over-pressurized, which could damage the boot.
- Wipe Excess Grease: After greasing, wipe away any excess grease from the outside of the boot and fitting to prevent it from attracting dirt and debris.
