Is there normally a little play at the ball joint at the lower end of steering shaft? My OTK and my friend’s Birel Art both have just a tad of movement.
I would say yes, a small amount of play is common, but these joints are replaceable if the play is excessive.
If there’s a little bit - under 0.05 mm of radial play - you can save it with an NLGI 3 or heavier grease. If there’s more, it’s probably best to replace it before it falls out.
Thanks guys. We’ll go ahead and remove and inspect. I appreciate the quick replies!
Do you guys lubricate these? I started to spray TriFlow…
Tons of black gunk started to come out and now it seems like it failed after a few sessions…
I do not because oil attracts dirt. I do try to keep it clean by wiping it.
Same with the tie rod ball joint - no oil. I use a blue shop towel rip off a 1" x 5" strip, and then clean the ball joint (I guess kind of flossing it).