On a 1996 Grand marquis is it possible to add a lube fitting to the steering linkage assembly arm Please advise Thanks?

Answer 1

(Licenced Technician) By "steering linkage assembly arm", are you referring to the idler arm and bracket? If memory serves, on 1996 GM's, the steering linkage has mostly non-greaseable parts (sometimes only the pitman arm and lower balljoints have fittings on them). If a steering part (or balljoint) has no grease fitting on it, and has no threaded plug that can be removed and replaced with a grease fitting, then the part must be replaced. One question: is the steering squeaky, like a dry rubber sound, when you turn the wheel? My '89 had a similar problem - after process of elimination, I discovered that the idler arm was siezed. I tried spraying penetrating oil and forcing grease into the joint with a needle adapter, but the only fix was replacement with a greaseable arm. These cars leave the factory with substandard steering components, in my opinion - my '89 has a fully greaseable front end-what a difference 7 years make. If the steering is very squeaky, or tight, you may need to disconnect tie rod ends (one wheel at a time) and/or pitman arm to pinpoint the source of your trouble. .

Footnote: front end parts from different auto parts stores can be of differing quality; a premium quality part may be a sealed unit, but an economy (white box) part may have a grease fitting installed. Purchase accordingly.