98 ml320 ball joint replacement
 

Hi Group,

It's time now that I do what I put off for almost two years. For the life of me I can't seem to find the DIY info and pics that I remember seeing in the past that describes step by step how to change out front ball joints on a 98 ML320, Or was it the rear ball joints that I've seen DIY info on replacing?! (I just thought it would be easy to locate when needed)

Does one have or know of the links to this info?

Thanks a bunch, in advance,

Does this help?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/ml-gl-g-wagen-r-class-unimog-sprinter/116979-anybody-diy-their-lower-ball-joints.html?highlight=ball+joint+replacement

Excellent!! Thanks.

Ooops, forgot, what is the typical time to replace say the lower front ball joint, experienced and layman?

Sorry, I haven't done any ball joint repair. I was just bored so I sleuthed the thread for you.

experienced? maybe half hour per side, layman...depends on tools available...

Thanks John

1/2 hour per side
 

Johnhef,
I assume the 1/2 hour per side estimate is based on leaving all steering knuckles/wheel carriers on the vehicle. Can all four ball joints be removed and installed without use of a stationary press? My question is RE early 1998 ML320 (W163) model. The WIS shows the procedure involving removal of the knuckles (front) and wheel carrier (rear) from the vehicle. It would be great if this is not necessary.
Thanks,
Ken

MUCH longer without experience! (Quotes below are from other threads...)

The old one did knock right out. Very easy, even with knuckle still on the car, took much less time than expected. Driving the new one in was another story.

In the end, I did have to use the nut to draw the new joint in, in combination with a hammer and a brass drift. I put the new joint in the freezer for an hour; this did not seem to help at all. Had to take the knuckle off the car to apply enough force to push the joint in and get enough torque on the nut. An impact wrench helped too. Maybe next time I'll find a shop with a press to do this for me.

Incidentally, the WIS just says "Pull in supporting joint using claw-type wrench until it abuts." They make it sound so easy! BTW 179K miles on my ML and this was the first joint to go bad; can't complain about that!

ML320 Ball Joint Replacement 1999 Mercedes
 

Here is my experience.

Belle Tire said I had to replace my Lower front ball joints before they would
align my new Tires.

5 hours Labor at $75 an hour. Ball Joints were Moog at $198 each.

Online, I ordered 2 Moog ball joints for $91 delivered..
then Found a guy on Craigslist in my Hood that took $125
to replace them in 2 hours in his garage.

Savings.... Belle $771 me $216 = $555 savings.

Two ball joints in two hours? Wow that's fast! I did have to replace another one after my last post, and it was somewhat easier, but no way can I do this in an hour or two. Kudos to your repair guy.

I did this yesterday I replaced the Front Upper Control arms this page may help for the ball joints
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1559973-ball-joint-tie-rod-end-replacement.html[/URL]