The replacement of the lower ball joints and the upper control arms (with ball joints) has finally gotten near the top of the "to do" list on the "project" 1985 300D. I have done ball joints before on other brands of cars - never MB's. Are there any special tools required? I did notice where a "ball joint press tool" is available for rent that it says is "necessayr for pressing the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle". Is it really necessary to have to use a special tool for this purpose?

thanks,
Jim
'85 300D with a noisy front left ball joint
'95 E320
'97 CRV

Just did the lower ball joints on my 86 300E. I can tell you that I definitely needed a press. Made things awhole lot easier.

Ball Joints
 

Removing the ball joints is no problem. Put the spindle in a vise and just knock them out with a heavy hammer. Putting back is a different story. The only way I've ever done it right is to press them in but you have to have a special holding device to do it. Take to a shop that has that devise or it won't be done right.

shoulda never tried it on Friday 13th
 

I used the correct rental "tool" to press the new ball joints in but ran into a hitch. The tool was worn at the ends which, after completing the press, I noticed was not exactly a flush fit on the back of the ball joint where the flat part is. Has it got to be exactly flush?
thanks

Job completed - what a world of difference in the way it sounds and drives. Just got back from the alignment shop and it drives like a new car - except for the "play" in the steering but I would not have it any other way. Ended up taking the steering knuckles and new lower ball joints to an independent in Macon, Ga. (Clarence Potts ******** - pretty personable type of guy) to press the new ball joints in. Also I replaced the tie rods because they were totally worn out. Replacing the rear 1/2 shafts has moved up another notch on the "to-do" list. I will wait till things cool off though - probably around October or later before I start on that.
Thanks for the help everyone.