Ball joints are welded. Why??

[Sergio]

Hi folks,
I see on my service manual (and confirmed with other posts) that on '94-'95 MB switched from replaceable control arm ball joints to welded ones where if the ball joint needs replacement, the entire control arm needs to be replaced.
Why in the world would MB do this? (other than to make more money for the dealers)
Also, since this replacement calls for the spring removal, does anyone know if the Klann spring compressor can be rented and if so where from?

Thanks,

Sergio
'95 E320 180K miles

[Uboater]

Sergio


I never understood why they did that , maybe replacing the whole arm completed repairs, that they would go in and do again. Like Replacing the arm bushings as well, to eliminate any vibration or alignment issues.

I remember a post where a guy removed them without a spring compressor . It sounds dangerous but it seemed he raised the car and had a floor jack under the A- arm ( all the brakes / rotor / shock removed ) and lowered the arm slowly . Pulling out the spring by hand. The arm swung past its normal range while raised with the shock removed.

Perhaps a different model ??????. The cold weather guys have their springs cleaned and recoated / painted.