I'm in the process of having my lower ball joints pressed out and back in, and replacing the front wheel bearings, rotors, etc. at the same time. My tie rod end joint boots got demolished during removal of the lower control arm, and both upper control arm joint boots are also cracked. Here's where the logic comes in. I'll probably be replacing my front coil springs at some point in the next few months, the benz slush fund is somewhat depleted and I need to have this car back on the road by this weekend.

Can I just replace the lower ball joints and go? Is it possible to just replace tie rod end and upper control arm joint boots or do I have to get the whole enchilada? Will I need an alignment after replacing just the lower ball joints? I know one will be required if I replace the tie rod ends. Being as I will probably be replacing the front coils soon can I just wait on replacing UCA and tie rod ends then? I know, I know, lots of questions. Thanks people.

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1985 300D Gretchen (Astral Silver) 220k
1983 240D 4-speed Evelyn (Orient Red) 203k


TANSTAAFL

The dealer can provide replacement grease boots. Also, parts stores sell replacement boots, although they don't "secure" at the bottom like the originals. They might work in a pinch.

Yes. Can you get away with putting it off until you complete the rest of the job? Probably, depending on the condition of the old joints and the extent to which previous alignments had compensated for existing wear.