After reading every post I could find, including all of them that state not to use the Auto Zone press, I set out to replace teh ball joints on the wife's 300D today. Some of the posts I read scared me into thinking this might not be the job for me...well I was wrong. Piece of cake. I have taken one much harder tasks than this one. You have to disassemble many different things to get to the spindle, but nothing I haven't removed before. For those who have replaced wheel bearings, you can do this job. For those who have replaced tie rod ends, you can do this job. The Auto Zone press even worked like a champ! Another job done.

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Mike

'80 300D
'84 300D
'85 300D
'87 300D

Are you talking about the Autozone ball joint press that sells for about $100?

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

I used the Autozone press, part number 27023, last week without any problem. Required a $100 deposit which was refunded in full. The only thing about using the Autozone press is YOU MUST FIRST REMOVE THE BALL JOINT GREASE BOOT. Real easy to put it back on once the ball joint is installed.

I borrowed this picture from Whiskeydan on this forum. Thanks again.

The fourth picture I borrowed from a posting on benzworld.org. Thanks

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Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic