Ball joint/front suspension questions

[Reno4u2]

I am going to do a front end rebuild on my 88 560SL...just turned 100,000 miles New ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods and drag link. Motor mounts and front subframe bushings were already done along with sway bar bushings and tranny mount. Several questions...

1. Removing/installing lower ball joints. Will one of the loan a tool ones from Autozone or O'Reilly's work? If not...suggestions?

2. Upper control arms. I am considering replacing the upper control arms rather than using the MB ball joint repair kit. There are splits and grease leaking in the original ones (upper ball joint rubber boots). Several parts outlets has them (OEM) for $390 each with bushings already installed. Has anyone gone this route?

3. Can the brake caliper/steering knuckle be removed as one unit or should the caliper be removed first?

Thanks and happy holidays to all....

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by Reno4u2

I am going to do a front end rebuild on my 88 560SL...just turned 100,000 miles New ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods and drag link. Motor mounts and front subframe bushings were already done along with sway bar bushings and tranny mount. Several questions...

1. Removing/installing lower ball joints. Will one of the loan a tool ones from Autozone or O'Reilly's work? If not...suggestions?

2. Upper control arms. I am considering replacing the upper control arms rather than using the MB ball joint repair kit. There are splits and grease leaking in the original ones (upper ball joint rubber boots). Several parts outlets has them (OEM) for $390 each with bushings already installed. Has anyone gone this route?

3. Can the brake caliper/steering knuckle be removed as one unit or should the caliper be removed first?

Thanks and happy holidays to all....

1) I used the one from Harbor Freight it was under $30. Didn't fit perfectly but it got the job done. there is also an additional add on kit with more adapters which might fit better.

2) Upper ball joints very rarely wear. I removed the boots on mine and repacked the joint with fresh molly grease and installed new boots.

3) I don't see any reason to remove the caliper, but you will have to disconnect the brake line, remove wheel speed sensors and disconect pad sensors.

[Reno4u2]

Thanks John...

Steve

[abe g]

I had mine replaced with bolt ons when subframe replaced (MB paid part due to cracks and recall) Adsit supplied the kit at a time not readily available. May be your answer (fit perfectly) Regards, Abe G