Vstech how do I check the ball joints how do I know if I need to replace them ? I'm staring to get a little shake on the steering wheel

It's difficult on the 123/126, but if you EVENLY support the vehicle weight under the lower control arms, you can grab the wheel, and push/pull at the top and bottom of the tire. Movement is a bad thing.

A visual indicator would be, destroyed boots, and rust in the joint.

It's easier to check with a pipe instead of using your hands to push or pull.

Here is a video I shot of how to check for a bad ball joint. Basic same principle to check on most cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ib1nxE0Ao



Thread on my other videos to check the suspension components.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/365091-videos-w123-need-suspension-rebuild.html


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Tanks deliveryValve

One video worth 10,000 words.

Does anyone have an idea how much a shop would charge for a ball joint job on a W124?

I dunno, but over the years of operating a Mercedes benz, I've learned quite a bit about dealing with indies and the stealership. Its becoming increasingly difficult to find and locate a competent shop that:

1. Knows and understands our cars.
2. Has the necessary tools and equipment to properly repair our cars.
3. Provides customer service with a smile (they exhibit a GREAT attitude).

I've used quite a few indies and 9 out of 10 struck out big time! Sometimes it was the repair, sometimes it was the qualify of the parts, sometimes it was both and sometimes they simply exhibited a bad attitude.

This is the main reason I'm on this forum and constantly purchase DIY guides, etc because I've been screwed over one too many times. Screwed over, BTW, by Indies who are highly rated on this forum. I refuse to name names, other than to say "Caveat Emptor" buyer BEWARE!!!

I agree with you on your 3 points. I was watching this video on YouTube and the way this guy does this job replacing the ball joints in a W124 looks so easy but he is doing it with 4 special tools I don't have any and I did this same job about a year ago on my 300TD and still cost me I paid $40.00 at the machine shop to repace the ball joints and $60.00 for the aliment. So I was thinking if a shop cand do it for $200.00 I'll pay it. But like you said it's hard to find a shop to work on our cars

What and indy would charge is seldom a pleasant surprise so, with the help of sites like this and great talent avail here on these diesel beasts, I've flushed and recharged ac, cleaned evap, balanced vacuum/tranny system, fixed door locks, flushed tranny, belts, fuel strainer/rubber lines replaced. Next up:oil cooler lines, then upper control arm, maybe new ball joints but will test further with advice given here, they may just need a new boot. Key is to research every step here in detail and diy what you absolutely know you can do with no surprises..😉 I hate surprises.

Where would I find the price for the tools this guy is using on this video?

I couldn't find the KL-0043-822 (the first hydraulic press), but I did find the KL-0326-10 A (the second hydraulic press) at this site for $1,377.27. :eek:
Klann Tools KL-0326-10 A Press Tool Kit MB Ball Joint (with hydr. Cylinder)



Here is a link to the Klann steering tool catalog.
http://www.themotoringshop.com/catalog/klann/Chapter_2.pdf




This tool might be a cheaper alternative at $457.63.:eek:
Hydraulic C Frame for the Mobile Hydraulic Press | Schley Products, Inc | 11090

https://youtu.be/VJrMiUKpGSg

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Tanks again DeliveyValve. It doesn't make sense for me to spend thousands of dollar on special tools that I'm going to use maybe once a year. I wish I can find a shop that has those tools and doesn't charge an arm and a leg for their services

Thus the reason for the tool rental forum...
Tool Rental Program - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum