[techno]

I have used a pickle fork with a large hammer and I have also used an air hammer with the pickle fork attachment. Either way be careful not to damage the brake rotor shield which is close by. If you have already disconnected the upper control arm, leave the bolt barely on the lower ball joint so the spindle doesn't fall to the ground.

If you don't have one I was able to use one for free (I think - it's been a while) from Advance Auto.


As far as removing the old ball joint from the spindle, I have used a large floor press and a vise with a large ball peen hammer. If you go the vise/hammer route go slow and be careful not to round off the edge too much on the spindle from hammer strikes. If you make a few small marks, they are easily smoothed out with a dremel or small grinder wheel.

There is a specific Mercedes tool to install the new lower ball joint into the spindle. I have heard of people using other press but you have to take the boot off so that you don't tear it.