Replacing ball joints 126 chassis
 

My project for this weekend is to replace the lower ball joints on mr 82 380 SEL. After reading the MB service manual removing the steering knuckle calls for removing the hub. Since I am not replacing the knuckle is it necessary to remove the hub. I do have the guages to set the bearings but removal of the hub seems unnecessary. What am I missing?
John Olszewski

You will need to get the hub/brake disk out of the way.

You have to remove the spindle. You will need a special press to get the new joint in... IF not, you will break it.

lower ball joints take a mercedes special tool to get them out..the arm is curved..not straight..no one with out that tool would touch mine..

benzat
1982 380 SEC

Ball joints
 

A heavy hammer and a knocking tool will get them out but you have to have a special jig to press them back in. There's no way around it if you want them installed properly.

I agree with Stan. We use a big hammer and punch to remove them, works better than an airhammer even. A special (expensive) press is required to install them, just no good way around it. We bought ours from AST (Assenmacher) as MB no longer offers the tool.
Gilly