Need quick answer on Ball joints
 

93, 300D, 2.5 T.

I want to replace the front LCA ball joints. I have read some of the W124's are NOT replaceable. I see ball joints sold - Are these replaceable on my car???

If so, suggested brand to buy - Moog?, Lemfoerder, TRW?

They are replaceable, but must be removed and replaced at a machine shop, or a shop that has access to a machine shop. Not a DIY project. I just got an estimate for that, myself, although mine aren't bad enough yet to require it.

Oh, the shop will only deal inLemfoerder.

Hmm, my '93 300TD has non-replaceable ball-joints...it may depend on who fixed it last?


cheers

OK, now I am more confused. Got a yes and a no. Anyone else that is highly familiar with this W124 model?

Yeah, on my '87 124 my indie replaced my left one & will be replacing my right one soon. Cost me about $200 per ball joint.

They are replaceable, but must be done by a professional with the right tools.

Knowing what you are doing and being "a professional" are two different concepts. Ball joints most certainly can be replaced by a "non-professional."

Give it enough time and the wrong answers will outnumber the correct ones.

Yeah, thanks. Everything I have been reading seems to suggest this is very doable but the big thing is the right press I gather. I appreciate the advice.

where in n.c. are you

Im running into the same problem on my W126. I need the right press to get the job done, but its a DIY for sure. But since I can not locate a proper press, I still have new ones on the shelf.

I'm located between Burlington and Hillsborough (Durham).

if you want to bring them by, i'm sure i have what is needed to replace them.

thanks, joe hunt

The early 124s have replaceable ball-joints, the late ones are welded in place.

On a '93 I don't know, but I guarantee that the '94/'95 are the welded version. Easy enough to tell from below if there is a weld between the ball-joint and A-arm.

None of the later version with the 4-puck brakes have the replaceable ones, which include E 320 and V-8 cars IIRC. If you're buying new though, I suggest replacing with the later version in case you ever decide to upgrade to the big brakes.