Should one "grease" the ball and socket joints on all these level sensors?

Submariner1

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i noticed this car has loads of little level sensors, and arms with what looks like plastic or hard rubber ball and socket joints at each end.
The joints look pretty dry and dirty.
As the sensors they attach to look fairly fragile and expensive, should they be greased?

Not sure if they are plastic shrouded or actually hard rubber sockets so I was thinking give them a clean at the the open section, with a brush; and then give them a spray with silicone lubricant?
As they are exposed when I paint the callipers.

Or are they best left alone?
 

Naraic

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What do you think?
 

KennyN

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Any exposed lubricants will just attract grit turning it into a lovely lapping compound , accelerating wear considerably.

Kenny
 

Botus

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no lubricant will allow it to seize, rust, or wear

if knowing the linkages snap because they don't move, would you now lubricate or not?
 

alexanderfoti

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Yes
 

L John

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Any exposed lubricants will just attract grit turning it into a lovely lapping compound , accelerating wear considerably.

Kenny

how about dry chain lube?
 

KennyN

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how about dry chain lube?

I tried some dry lube on the wifes rear ................................ door handle on her Juke and any that escaped ran down the door and now has attracted grit / grime and bugs so i think it would eventually do the same under the car.

I have never seen the level sensors on the CL and i was just commenting from a general engineering POV.

Kenny
 

alexanderfoti

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I have memories of seing ones with ruber boots on them, like this:

wp41c00329_14_06.jpg
 
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Submariner1

Submariner1

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  • Thread Starter
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  • #18
Well thankfully they lubricated all of them whilst it was at MBS's.
Having seen it up on the ramp, and seen how dry they were, and how one was nearly siezed.
YES YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO LUBRICATE THEM.
One was so tough to wiggle, I am surprised it hadnt snapped off the entire level sensor; as you effectively have a suspension arm moving under the weight of the car, and this tiny lever being moved up and down.
If that siezes ... its going to snap off for sure.
 

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