I am in the process of refreshing an 86 300e. One ball joint has a ripped cover and I will replace both (A call is in to Phil). Is this a difficult job? I would like to have them replaced at the local Winston tire dealer as they have a new alignment machine (recommended by two independent mb shops). Can I trust a a tire shop to this work? Also, until I put on a set of 16 inch 8 hole wheels (30,000 miles left on a set of P4000's), I am obliged to drive with original wheels that are looking very poor. They are not pitted but the painted finish is terrible. It looks like a ring of silver around the lug nuts. Has anyone ever painted their wheels? Any success? - any recommended paint? Thanks for any replies. This is a great site and God Bless America.

Larry,

Let the alignment shop replace the ball joint. It takes a special tool to remove the ball joint. I think it's a difficult job for a DIY'er. JMHO.

Jeff

Since you ask - a Winston tire shop local to me is the most dishonest and unscrupulous vendor I have ever dealt with. When having some tires balanced I purchased there awhile earlier (I won't even go into that ripoff), they informed me I needed an air filter. I was furious they had even lifted the hood, and I had inspected the filter at a maintenance I had done a few thousand miles earlier - it was fine.

About 5000 miles later I again inspected the filter - and discovered it had a gaping hole punched clear through it. No natural occurance could have possibly done that! It was still pretty clean, too.

This blatant dishonesty may not be corporate policy, but I would at least check with the local BBB, and get some trustworthy CUSTOMER referrals. The dealers may have other incentives for their recommendation.

Steve