Question about upper knuckle ball stud

That's where the steering knuckle connects to the axle. There is usually a zerk fitting on the top of it. Just mind you don't dribble grease all over the brake disc.

You can reach it by turning the wheels toward the side you are working on then going over, but it's easier to just take the wheel off and while you are in there inspect the rotor and pads.

Generic drawing.

Thanks for the picture Doug...The dealer is telling me that the front end components on an 01 GC dont need lubricating, in spite of the fact that the owners manual says it does.

Larry

That could very well be the case. The stock ones in my ZJ don't have zerks but the aftermarket replacement does. Still a good idea to look and while you are there check the drive shafts and other components that take lube.

Not having zerks doesn't mean that they don't need lubing. Is there a place, possibly plugged, to screw in a zerk?

The fact that you can't grease/lubricate something doesn't mean it doesn't need it! In my 2004 Dodge 2500, I've had to replace just about everthing that *should* have had a zerk fitting for grease because the factory lubrication was only sufficient to get past the 36K mile warranty.

ouch....you just gotta to love Chrysler!

Larry

ok Doug...I will check on that...Larry

Our 2004 Jeep Liberty doesn't have Zerk fittings on the upper and lower ball joints either! If you were to rip or tear the upper ball joint rubber boot for example, you'd have to replace the whole control arm as Chrysler does not sell just the boot or ball joint separately!

It's nice having after market upper control arms with a replaceable Moog ball joint...