Pillow ball corrosion...

[Julio Bro!]

Today I took the 240SX for suspension repairs, installation of rear adjustable control arms, and full alignment. The mechanic noticed a metal squeeking which I thought was from a broken tension rod bracket (repairs).

Turns out the squeeking comes from the adjustable rear toe control arms. They have a couple of years and no problems until now, the mech found the pillow balls have some corrosion.

The mech says this will wear and eventually break that part. Well, anyone had this kind of problem, is it over for this link, is there some remedy to this?

How about some advice to prevent this from happening to the new upper arms?

[CMG]

Corrosion shouldn't be an issue, but cheap pillow balls may be. Any corrosion can be taken care of with a dose of deep creep.

[Julio Bro!]

So, this isn't unusual, pillow balls may get some rust?

Is there a way to protect them?

[CMG]

Yes, some pillow balls rust. Do you live right by the ocean? That would be a problem with the salt air. With normal surface rust you can just spray on deep creep and work it in.

[Julio Bro!]

Well, I live in Puerto Rico and not that I live near the ocean, but I do take my car everywhere.

Also, plenty of rains last year. I had to drive thru some ponds and some storms. Never scared about "surfing" with my ride, but if I new about possible corrosion I would've make a habit of checking and lubricating the balls.

The mechs didn't have deep creep, but they had some very nice moly-lubricant. It's from molybdenum, very nice for metal-metal friction, it's widely used for the internals of guns.

I guess I'll check them from time to time. Is there some kind of cover or boot for this terminals? That way they could be greased and protected.
Modified by Julio Bro! at 8:51 PM 1/18/2008

[CMG]

Some of the quality parts like cusco and JIC have boots over the pillow balls, but I don't think you can buy them seperately.

[240z4u]

Do some searching, you can purchase boots aftermarket from some rod end companies.

Putting a boot on your corroded rod ends prob. is not the way to go. I would spray it with something that penetrates (as they said), Then coat the outside in grease. It should help keep moisture out.

I live in a much worse environment then you, and I have had great luck going this route. That is the main reason the only rod ends I have are in the T/C rods. I don't want them siezing due to road salt.

Good luck! - Evan

[naed240sx]

Whatever you do, don't lubricate them. Good heims/pillowballs don't like lubrication. Grease or oil will simply attract more dirt and grime and wear them quicker.