Ball join trouble.
 

Doing a large front suspension overall on the W124 300CE. I'm running into trouble getting the ball joint pin in the hole with the locker bolt. Any method to the madness?

Ha! It was as simple as just hitting the bottom with a large hammer!

Instead of a hammer, drive a wedge in the pinch - then just lift the spindle/hub and drop it on the ball joint, it will drop in place.

I usually take off the entire strut and spindle when replacing W124/201 ball joints, It allows easier access for the job and a bearing repack also.

It was only three to four hits and it dropped right in place. I tried it with a wedge and it would not go in. It will be easier tomorrow when I’m doing the psg side.

How long did it take?

The left side took me five hours, including new tie rod, sway bar bushings, new strut and strut mound. The psg side went much quicker, it took me around 3.5 hours for everything
Doing just the ball joint can be done in an 1.5 I would think. Didn’t use a press, let the weight of the car do the job, and a large hammer.

Getting an impact gun made this an easy job, can’t believe I didn’t get one earlier.