Are Moog Ball Joints Any Good?
Are MOOG Ball Joints as Good as OE Ball Joints?
The ball joint is a key component in every suspension system. The ball joint provides up/down and left/right movement of the steering knuckle. When ball joints wear out, vehicle owners are faced with a choice: Should they go with an Original Equipment (OE) replacement from the dealer or opt for an aftermarket brand like MOOG, Mevotech, or TRW? MOOG has built a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of aftermarket suspension components, but are their ball joints as good as OE ball joints? That’s an important question to answer, especially since there have been some quality complaints during and after the pandemic. Let’s dive into the details.
Multiple Ownership Changes Results In Temporary Quality Issues For Moog
Moog began producing front-end automotive parts in the 1930’s. In the 50’s, Moog developed the world’s first “gusher bearing,” a porous bearing that retains grease to lubricate the ball stud in a ball joint. In 1992, Cooper Industries purchased Moog, adding them to their Automotive Products Division which included brands like Anco wiper blades, Champion ignition, Wagner brakes, Abex Friction, and Blazer lighting products.
In 1998, Federal-Mogul purchased the Automotive Products Division from Cooper Industries. Unfortunately, in that same year, Federal-Mogul also purchased Turner & Newall, a building materials company based in Manchester, UK. Turner & Newall manufactured asbestos-related products, leading to asbestos-related lawsuits that dragged Federal-Mogul into Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in 2002—emerging from bankruptcy in 2008.
In 2014, Moog split the company into two separate companies: Federal-Mogul Powertrain and Federal-Mogul Motor-Parts. The powertrain division focused on selling to OE carmakers, while the Motor-Parts division sold to the aftermarket. In that same year Federal Mogul purchased the Bendix brake brand from Honeywell. In 2016, they purchased Beck/Arnley, an importer of Asian auto parts from Tier 1 suppliers in Japan and Korea.
In 2018, Tenneco purchased Federal Mogul. In 2019, Tenneco spun off all suspension brands into a unit named DRIV Incorporated. Then, in 2022, it was acquired by Apollo Global Management.
Those 3 major organizational changes within a 4-year period, along with pandemic-related supply chain issues, resulted in a breakdown in quality control.
However, those quality control issues were temporary and have since been resolved, restoring Moog quality to where it was before the turmoil.
How Moog Ball Joints Compare to OE and Other Brands
Temporary quality control issues aside, Moog steering and suspension parts are considered equal to OE parts, and in many cases, they are the same parts supplied to carmakers. I have no hesitation about installing Moog ball joints, tie rods, or tie rod ends on my kids and grandkids’s vehicles.
Over the years, I’ve had good luck with Moog ball joints, along with TRW and ACDelco brands. I have not had good luck with Mevotech or other non-mainstream brands. I have had to replace Mevotech parts much earlier than expected, in some cases about a year after installation. That’s why I stopped using Mevotech parts.
Which Is Better for You?
Ultimately, the decision between Moog ball joints and OE ball joints comes down to cost, availability, and driving conditions. If you drive your vehicle under normal conditions and prefer the peace of mind that comes with using manufacturer-recommended parts, OE ball joints are a great choice. They offer a perfect fit and are backed by rigorous testing standards.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a durable, high-performance option that can handle harsher conditions and allows for periodic maintenance, Moog ball joints might be the better choice. Their greaseable design, advanced materials, and cost-effectiveness make them a strong contender for both everyday driving and more demanding applications.
The Controversy over Greaseable versus Non-greaseable Ball Joints
Most carmakers install non-greaseable ball joints and tie rod joints at the factory. Carmakers switched to this design for two reasons: 1) To reduce maintenance costs and overall ownership costs, and 2) To eliminate the then-common practice of over-greasing ball joints and tie rod ends. Many technicians and most DIYers tend to over-grease the joint to the point where grease pressure ruptures the protective boot, ensuring early failure. Any time the boot is damaged, water, dirt, and debris can get into the joint and not be able to get out. Ball and socket contamination can result in stud corrosion, increased wear, and, ultimately, joint failure.
Non-greaseable verses Greaseable ball joint
The greaseable Moog ball joint prevents boot rupture
The proper way to lubricate a greaseable ball joint or tie rod joint is to inject grease until the boot expands and becomes firm and then stop. Moog ball joints incorporate grease grooves and a sealed boot in the stud area. The sealed boot minimizes contamination in the socket assembly, and the grease grooves allow old grease to seep out of the joint during the greasing operation.
Greaseable vs. Non-Greaseable Ball Joints: Pros and Cons
Pros of Greaseable Ball Joints:
• Longer Lifespan: Greaseable ball joints allow regular lubrication, reducing friction and wear, potentially extending their service life.
• Better for Harsh Conditions: In dusty or muddy environments, being able to add fresh grease can flush out contaminants, preventing premature wear.
• Improved Maintenance: Regular greasing keeps the joint operating smoothly and allows you to maintain performance over time.
Cons of Greaseable Ball Joints:
• Maintenance Required: Greaseable ball joints require periodic greasing, which adds to your vehicle maintenance routine. If you’re performing your own maintenance, you can ensure the greasing is down properly. However, if you’re using a shop, a greaseable ball joint is probably not the best choice.
• More Potential for Leaks: With grease fittings and moving parts, there’s a chance for leaks if seals wear down or grease is improperly applied.
Pros of Non-Greaseable Ball Joints:
• Maintenance-Free: Sealed from the factory, non-greaseable ball joints require no additional maintenance, making them convenient for everyday drivers.
• Cleaner Installation: Non-greaseable joints are sealed, reducing the chance of dirt or contaminants entering.
Cons of Non-Greaseable Ball Joints:
• Fixed Lifespan: Since they cannot be re-lubricated, they may wear out faster in harsh conditions.
• Less Durability in Off-Road Use: Sealed joints are more susceptible to damage in extreme environments.