W124 front Ball joint is stuck in control arm
 

Just like it says...It's stuck. I also can't get the bolt out of the part where the ball joint is inserted. I've searched all over and can't find any tricks to help out. The coil spring is safely compressed. I'm up on jack stands right now so any help is greatly appreciated.


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC

your pinch bolt is stuck in the knuckle?

use a drift to push it out and if it is still stuck there, use a hammer to gently jar it free. Penetrating oil helps too.

So that's what it's called...a pinch bolt. Makes sense to me! I've actually already tried using a drift...after a buttload of PB Blaster. What do you think about a little heat? The LCA is being COMPLETELY replaced.


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC

I believe the brake and hub has been disassembled too along with the dust shield - Heat the pinch up, put a candle on it such that the wax is sucked into the shaft cavity and smack the bolt with something very heavy and strong, the bolt should start to move. I have ran into such a bolt once and had to wrap the pinch with a rag and put on some acid to eat the rust away first. Then my 5lb hammer and heavy punch took it out. If you have an air hammer it can push it out too.

tip: get hold of some acetone, mix it half n half in a steel cup with some old ATF, mix it up and put it on the pinch and bolt threads too. This mix is far more potent than PB blaster. its known as witch's blood and some old machinists who work with it say that if ATF and acetone does not seep through it - its probably one piece.

Wow!!! Thanks so much!!!


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC

Make sure both wheels are hanging, If you have the opposite wheel on the ground, the sway bar will be pushing the control arm you want to take off up.

Yep...still not coming out. I'm about to use my .45 caliber "wrench" on this stupid thing.


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC

Update… The LCA is out! However, I have managed to booger up the pinch bolt to my "Mongo Smash" method. Anybody know the size of that bolt? I'm gonna take it to Fastenal tomorrow either way. Thanks for the tips, Zulfiqar!


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC

Its a large head bolt with fine threads, Might want to stop by a dealer for it. Fastenal can set you up with a similar if not exact one.

That pinch bolt is supposed to be replaced every time it's removed anyway, I don't think you can get it out without damaging it.

+1 on the ATF/Acetone mix, I also like Kroil if you want something in an aerosol form. It's a bit expensive but at least for me a little goes a long way. Also smells nice unlike PB Blaster. I see PB Blaster as mostly useless, it's not a very good penetrating oil and WD-40 is better for cleaning and protecting than it is, also a bit cheaper.

Some ball joints are not removable from the c/a as they are welded in place .A new c/a is the way out . Just a thought .But if you can see a clamp bolt holding the c/a ball joint it should come out .Good luck .

Update: I did the passenger without ANY issue whatsoever! I guess the Good Lord knew I couldn't handle the frustration I received while replacing the driver's side. HAHA!


Chris Dragotta
1991 300D OM602 Turbo
Benson, NC