[T Creighton]

Hi Mark,
The ball joints are packed with grease on assembly either new or after repair.
After rebuilding the steering ends on my F30 I fitted grease nipples instead of the plugs at the bottom of the inner stationary housing (MBF3 page C17) for a top up if there was much leakage from the ball joint grease retainer seal.
Manual MBF3 on page F16 explains about the seals. They are a sandwich of rubber material with felt on each side.
I had to make some by stretching out the old seal to get the correct length and making a strip about 3" wide of neoprene with felt glued (Ados) on each side and clamped between two boards until dry. Total thickness is about 3/8" to fit in the slots of the two piece housings if I remember correctly.
You can then measure the proper width you need and cut them from the sandwich you have just made.
I think mine finished up a bit too tight in the slots (they have a spring behind them in the slot and should be able to move in and out) but they seem to work ok.
I hope this helps,
Regards, Terry.