W202 front lower ball joints

[rickkhall]

Anyone replaced the front lower ball joints on a 202 chassis? Car in question is a '98 C230. Have the MB ball joints in hand and took a look yesterday. Looks like this will be a cussin and fussin job for sure. Anyone done this recently and have any pointers?

Thanks

[97 SL320]

I need to do this on my recently purchased 97 C280.

The lower ball joints are actually easier to change on these cars than many as they have 2 tapered studs rather than one stud and a press fit body.

I haven't looked closely enough but the rotors might be able to stay on. If not, now would be a good time to relube the wheel bearings.

You will need to support the lower control arm with a floor jack as sometimes jacking from the lower control arm puts the suspension in a better angle. ( especially if the shock is removed as this keeps the spring from fully extending.) Also it sometimes helps to turn the steering wheel to extend the tire rod as this gives you a the ability to pull the hub away from the center of the car.

[97 SL320]

I was under my C280 today.

It looks like the rotors / backing plates need to come off the front spindles for the ball joints to clear.