I just installed a traction bar on my car, which I DD most of the time if weather isn't below freezing and potholes arent capable of swallowing children. I've never used any suspension components that have heim joints on any of my personal street driven cars before. Should I do something to lube the heim joints? Or should I keep them dry? My thoughts are that bare metal on metal will eventually wear and develop play, but lube will attract grit and debris that can also accelerate wear or cause damage. So I really don't know which is better.
What's the general consensus? lube or no lube? and what type/brand/etc is recommended if lube is the choice?

 

Generally;

metal on metal? yes.

Metal on plastic? NO! unless they are sealed/booted.

Metal on metal joints that need grease are fitted with a grease fitting.

Idk what category yours fall under.

 

Do they have a zerk fitting?

 

no they do not have grease fittings or any holes or anything anywhere. I'm told they are teflon lined inside, but not 100% sure. the maker of the bar is going to check and let me know. I'm assuming teflon lined should not be lubed at all?

 

correct. PTFE is self lubricating. the issue with using a lubricant is that it attracts dirt...which then eats the bearing.

If you had a boot, you'd lube them with probably some sort of silicone paste (similar to an OEM joint).

 

The good heims are chromoly and teflon sealed. They in thought do not need lube however if the mis alignment noise gets loud spray some wd in the center eye of the heim and will flush and lube.

 

Really depends on the type, as their is a number of different ones available. For the most part they are self lubricating, but THEY ARE ALSO A WEAR ITEM. Usually only when they start to make a bit of noise I recommend a few drops of oil to quiet them up. Sooner or later they will need to be replaced.

 

thank you gents