Ball joint replacement using HF kit and home made adapter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 01-23-2013, 12:24 PM

I needed to replace the ball joints on my 240 (as well as other suspension parts), and did not want to spend the big bucks required to purchase the special tool. I got a ball joint kit from Harbor Freight:

After removing the old joint and cleaning and painting the parts,
I had to make a special adapter for the press to work, as nothing provided in the kit would work.
I took a piece of 2" black pipe and cut off a slice 7/8" long. I cut out about 1/4" from the circumference, making the diameter smaller. I then welded a large washer on the top, and ground it all smooth (just for looks).

The pieces needed to do the job:

I had to tighten the press as much as I could, and then hammer the clamp to force the ball joint in. The threads are too course to press this joint in by just turning the screw:

A little tightening, a little hammering, and repeating the process a couple times, and the joint is all the way in:

The finished product: