Chassis Lubrication: Why, When, and How to Grease Your Car Chassis

The chassis supports the vehicle’s weight and houses the frame, suspension system, braking system, and wheels. Many of these parts constantly move when driving. To keep them from grinding against each other and causing damage, the chassis must be lubricated regularly.

What is Chassis Lubrication?

Chassis lubrication involves applying grease or oil to the chassis and its connection points to reduce friction.

Regular chassis lubrication is crucial for older vehicles, but some modern models don’t need them as often because they have parts that are either sealed or “lubed for life.”

Which Parts in the Chassis Need Lubrication?

While a visual inspection will help you determine which parts need lubrication, the following components can always use the extra grease:

• End-links
• Ball Joints (when there are grease fittings; some don’t have them)
• King pins (mostly on pre-1997 Ford I-Beam axle pickups)
• Inner and outer tie rod ends (note: inner tie rod ends are not greased on rack and pinion steering)
• Idler arms (when there are grease fittings)
• Pitman arms (when there are greasable joints)
• Drag links
• Sway bar bushings and control arm bushings (though these are not usually greased, just rubber bushings)

What Happens if You Don’t Lubricate Your Chassis?

Neglecting to lubricate your vehicle’s chassis leads to a lot of problems – some of which can lead to permanent damage.

Driving will become more difficult and clunky due to worn-out or damaged parts, making it uncomfortable and less safe. Rough driving over long periods also leads to permanent damage to the affected parts.

That being said, most vehicles come without grease fittings because they have been greased from the factory. Replacement parts will, however, come with grease fittings.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: It’s not unusual for a vehicle to go 200,000 miles with the original chassis parts.

Lubricating Your Chassis: How It’s Done

Unless you have the right tools and know-how, it’s usually best to leave chassis lubrication to a professional who knows what they’re doing. However, if you’re curious about the steps mechanics take to lubricate chassis, here’s how the process usually goes.

1. Your vehicle is parked on a flat, even surface.
2. The mechanic hoists the vehicle on a lift or with jack stands, depending on what’s available at the auto shop, to access the chassis.
3. The mechanic applies grease to chassis lubrication points with the help of a grease gun. These points vary from vehicle to vehicle.
4. The grease gun is pumped twice or thrice per chassis lubrication point. Any excess oil is wiped away with a towel.
5. Components that had to be dismantled for lubrication are reinstalled.

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Signs You May Need to Lubricate Your Chassis

Chassis lubrication is usually part of a complete oil change service, which is best done at least once a year. However, there are times when chassis components need lube immediately. Other times, no lubrication can be done because OEM ball joints and tie rod ends frequently come without grease fittings.

Poor steering and rough handling are some of the symptoms of a chassis that need lubrication.

Poor Steering and Rough Handling

A common sign of a chassis in desperate need of lubrication is if the vehicle becomes difficult to drive. This “clunkiness” could stem from increased friction in the ball joints, which will make it more difficult to steer and control your vehicle. It may not naturally return to center after a turn.

Poor handling usually goes hand in hand with steering problems. If you feel as if your vehicle veers towards one side when driving, have the alignment checked and the front end parts checked.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: If you get a very large estimate, get a second opinion. There are a number of shops that scare people into spending a lot of money on front- end repairs that aren’t needed.

Do Squeaky Noises in the Chassis Mean Lubrication is Necessary?

If your chassis makes noises, it’s usually too late for lubrication. When the boots are gone, the OEM parts that came without grease fittings will need to be replaced if they start squeaking (they need to be replaced anyway if the boots are gone).

Look for the place that’s squeaking first. Sometimes it’ll be a rubber bushing that is worn out and doesn’t require lubrication, just replacement. Control arm bushings are one example of such squeaking that has nothing to do with lubrication. Sometimes just tightening suspension parts where there are bushings will stop the squeaking.

Look for the place that’s squeaking first. Sometimes it’ll be a rubber bushing that is worn out and doesn’t require lubrication, just replacement. Control arm bushings are one example of such squeaking that has nothing to do with lubrication. Sometimes just tightening suspension parts where there are bushings will stop the squeaking.

–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Chassis Maintenance Tips and Tricks

If you want to take better care of your vehicle’s chassis, follow these upkeep tips:

• Lubricate the grease fittings on the tie rod ends and ball joints with a grease gun regularly (at least once a year)
• Inspect the chassis and its parts for damage and corrosion whenever you can.
• Bring your vehicle to an auto shop for maintenance at least once a year. This way, a professional can repair or replace damaged or corroded parts and make recommendations on how to take better care of your ride.

Where to Get High-Quality Grease for Your Vehicle

While chassis lubrication is best left to the pros, it still pays to keep high-quality grease in your garage. You can use it to lubricate parts as needed without taking a trip to your mechanic.  If you’re interested, CarParts.com has top-notch greases that are all on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you.

Use our vehicle selector to start shopping, and funnel the catalog results according to your preferences using the search filters. Our selection includes accurate and detailed product information, so you’re sure to get the best lubricant for your ride.

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Check out our extensive list of greases today at CarParts.com!