95 E320 Wagon ball joints

[benmack1]

Car: 95 E320 wagon, later S/N of the 94/95 sequences. 143K miles.

I have a squeek/groan coming from the left front when turning. I suspect it's the ball joint starting to get dry which likely means it's also worn I assume. I had the same thing on my 93 300D at 140K a few months ago so my miles are dead on for the same thing to happen.

Question: Are the BJ's replaceable on the 95 E320 or do I have to do the entire front lower control arm? I don't see ball joints available on fastlane but I do from other suppliers so I am confused here. I had read before I think that the 95 is a whole LCA replacement with this problem but I am looking for some first hand advice/comments.

Question2: Is the change out of the LCA a big job? I have a klann clone spring compressor but never used it before.

Thanks!

[Ivanerrol]

Originally Posted by benmack1

Car: 95 E320 wagon,
Question: Are the BJ's replaceable on the 95 E320 or do I have to do the entire front lower control arm?Thanks!

Entire LCA

Originally Posted by benmack1

Question2: Is the change out of the LCA a big job? I have a klann clone spring compressor but never used it before.

Yes and No. If you have never done one, it's a challenge. There are youtube videos out there that show you how to do the job with the Klann.

[nulu]

Checked my 94 wagon , no seperate ball joint available, ill need whole lca, my buddys 500 e did have seperate lower ball joint available, and i did it was easy as pie

[TankWagon124]

Are you sure they are coming from the ball joints?

did you check the front sway bar bushing. I had "clunk" noise when i drive thru humps and dip. I thought they were the ball joints. When i replaced my frt shocks upon further inspection they were not the BJs.
I replaced the sway bar bushing and the result no more clunk noise.

[IYAAYAS]

I've got the same thing going on with my 95 E320 Sedan. Left-Front suspension has a VERY loud creek to it. Especially while turning at low speeds. She's a head-turner now! Was looking on Rock Auto and noticed that it depends on your engine code as to type of "BJ's" to get. Like most street corners, the "BJs" will run you about $10-20 a piece. HA!

Are the Sedan's and Wagon's front suspensions different? Reason I ask is that it doesn't look like I need to buy the whole LCA...

[Wagon1995e320]

Noise when turning steering wheel while the vehicle is not moving most likely comes from the LCA ball joint. Insert grease with a grease gun needle through the rubber boot and the groaning noise should go away.

Test the ball joint for play. Lift the vehicle and place a jack stand under the LCA. Lower vehicle so that it is resting on the jack stand. Use a pry-bar or any long bar and try pushing the tire up. You should be able to see the ball joint move up and down if it is worn.

[gerryvz]

For the later W124s, MB went to a different LCA design to clear the larger brakes that they installed on the cars. On those later design LCAs, the ball joints are not replaceable -- you have to buy the entire LCA. Unfortunately, there is no good aftermarket brand of late LCA either -- you pretty much have to go with OE to get an LCA that lasts. The aftermarket stuff (febi) is crap.

The early 124 LCAs are available quality aftermarket, Lemforder brand. They also have replaceable ball joints.