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Thanks for the tip, much appreciated!
DIY Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint Change
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Their standard ball joint press will not work properly. The receiving tube is either too big or too small. the smaller tube can be used to install the joint but it doesn't fit perfectly. The MB kit will fit perfectly and less pieces you have to put together to make it work. I know, I wasted alot of time with AZ's press.
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You're welcome. The hardest part I found was getting the joint to release from the knuckle. I used a ball joint separator from Habor Freight and trashed it. Returned it for another and that did not work. What I ended up doing was using two pickle forks, that did the trick but be careful not to damage the neighboring boots. And you need a 3 or 4pound hammer (Lowes or Home Depot $15-19). The ball joint separator in this DIY appears to work for these guys, they are also sold on Ebay and Amazon for under $50 I think. Good luck.
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My experience and videos I watched. The lower ball joint makes a squeaking sound. The ball joint on the lateral arm with the integrated ball joint supposed makes a clunking sound. My clunking sound was from the upper ball joint. It was the sound of metal on metal over small bumps. My lateral arm ball joint boot was torn and so the arm was loose. I mean you grabbed and tried to twist it in place, it had small movement. I don't know that mine made a sound because when I replaced it, I still had the clunk which came from the upper ball joint. By the way, the upper ball joint felt tight and when I removed it , it felt firm, so I was unsure this was the problem till I replaced it, problem solved.
Hi Guys,
I found the Ball joint installer/remover tool on eBay but not sure I am finding the correct ball joint separator. Does anyone have a link for the correct one?
Also will these tools work for a 4matic. Looks like the write up is for a 2 wheel drive.
Thanks,
Jeff.
I found the Ball joint installer/remover tool on eBay but not sure I am finding the correct ball joint separator. Does anyone have a link for the correct one?
Also will these tools work for a 4matic. Looks like the write up is for a 2 wheel drive.
Thanks,
Jeff.
You can't go wrong with this set from Amazon. The negative reviews are from people that abused them.
We have had great luck with this set on multiple German cars. It has every separating tool you could want for $99.
OTC 6295 Front End Service Set : Amazon.com : Automotive
We have had great luck with this set on multiple German cars. It has every separating tool you could want for $99.
OTC 6295 Front End Service Set : Amazon.com : Automotive
I had to do the inner boot on the right front drive axle and it popped off all the joints I needed it to. The scissor style tool is the same size.
If you are more comfortable with the JTC tools then go with what you are comfortable with. I just liked the variety of pullers and separator tools in the OTC kit.
If you are more comfortable with the JTC tools then go with what you are comfortable with. I just liked the variety of pullers and separator tools in the OTC kit.
Hi all, thanks for the all the killer info. My dealership decided it was time for front lower ball joints because they were loose, but after getting a second opinion from a non Mercedes shop they said it was just fine. Are you all replacing these just as a preventive measure sort of thing or are you doing it because of some noticeable symptoms?
What model/year do you have?
You all are awesome! Thanks to all the detailed instruction and tips here I was able to change out both my lower control arms in about 3 hours! I accidentally purchased these about 6 years ago after user error online. Kept them in the garage until the drivers side control arm (ball joint end) went to hell. Keeping the old ones as possible backup after rebuilding. Replaced the lower ball joints two years ago and upper last week. Tie rod ends (ball joints) replaced 4 years ago. Rides like a champ now that all the rattles on rough roads are gone.
David
'05 E320 CDI
143,000 miles
David
'05 E320 CDI
143,000 miles
Can someone tell me why you need 2 breaker bars? He shows the 2 in a picture but I can't tell what the 2nd is doing?
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