What’s the general rebuild interval for Johnny Joints?

rasband

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What’s the general rebuild interval for Johnny joints? I’ve read those that are over a decade, others much less.

As the backstory: I’ve had my JJs since January of this year and they’re making a racket offroad, leading me to a rebuild. It seems quick to me, so I’m curious of the interval others have experienced. they’ve only been on about 8 moderate trails and 4 hard trails and fewer miles than a tire rotation (4K).

And no, I’m not asking for alternatives 😅
 
What’s the general rebuild interval for Johnny joints? I’ve read those that are over a decade, others much less.

As the backstory: I’ve had my JJs since January of this year and they’re making a racket offroad, leading me to a rebuild. It seems quick to me, so I’m curious of the interval others have experienced. they’ve only been on about 8 moderate trails and 4 hard trails and fewer miles than a tire rotation (4K).

And no, I’m not asking for alternatives 😅
Sound usually means they need grease....did you see if they accept grease in the zero? If not I’d pull them apart regrease and reassemble - no need to rebuild if they are that new.
 
Sound usually means they need grease....did you see if they accept grease in the zero? If not I’d pull them apart regrease and reassemble - no need to rebuild if they are that new.

Maybe I am too loose with the rebuild phrasing, but I am thinking I will have to pull them apart for a good grease (and replace the race if there's excessive wear). I think that means I need the JJ tool, and then can use some CV-2 to grease them up? Given that I have never greased these, is there a specific process to follow?

Edit: I think zero is autocorrect for zerk - I’ll do that when I get home from the trip tomorrow.
 
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When I lived in Illinois I was pulling my JJ's apart every ~6 months of daily driving for grease. Now that I live in Southern California I haven't had any issues. Been over a year on my mid arm without any noises.
 
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I had mine 5-6 years before I rebuilt them. They do make some racket if not lubed. I try to disassemble and grease them every winter. I have never had much luck using the grease zerks. I have the large tool. It makes it a very quick process
 
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Maybe I am too loose with the rebuild phrasing, but I am thinking I will have to pull them apart for a good grease (and replace the race if there's excessive wear). I think that means I need the JJ tool, and then can use some CV-2 to grease them up? Given that I have never greased these, is there a specific process to follow?

Edit: I think zero is autocorrect for zerk - I’ll do that when I get home from the trip tomorrow.
Yes my apologies I meant zerk. I’m almost positive if they are making noise they are dry or close to it. I’ve had the same bushings and ball on mine for over ten years where they are just worn enough to accept a couple shots of grease - breaking them in seems to help a lot.
 
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Yes my apologies I meant zerk. I’m almost positive if they are making noise they are dry or close to it. I’ve had the same bushings and ball on mine for over ten years where they are just worn enough to accept a couple shots of grease - breaking them in seems to help a lot.

That’s good to know, it sounds like I need to try to get grease in the zerks. I may grab the JJ tool to inspect a few for any excessive wear.

Anything i’m missing?