Ball Joints?
 

Car is a 1988 190e 2.3L 4 Cylinder automatic. US Version.

I was just changing the bushing on the gear shaft underneath the and noticed that the fron passenger side Ball Joint needs to be changed.

The drivier´s side looks intact. Do these need to be changed in pairs? Additionally, after changing the ball joint, does the vehicle need to be re-aligned?

Also, any tips on how to change/install a new bushing for the gear selector but the one that is at the end of the bar, next to the transmission on the driver´s side. It seems very dificult to get at it. Do I need to drop the tranny???

Thanks in advance for any response and/or advise.

iggy

If one ball joint is worn out the chances are good that all suspension componenets are in need of change. They all have the same amount of wear on them. Changing just the ball joints usually doesn't require a realignment but if you change the suspension arm bushings or the struts (I don't know which your car has) then you will need an alighment.

Agree, while under there should change out key wear items.

Ball joints (support joints)
Tie rods
Idle arm bushing
Take a good hard look at struts and springs

That way you only get one allignment rather than multiple after each inevitable replacement.

Joel

Thanks for the replies.

The tie rods were changed a few months ago. In fact, I am a little peeved that I did not ahve the ball joints changed at the same time. Furthermore, sway arm bushings were just changed a month ago. As for the struts, these were changed like 1 1/2 years ago. Hopefully they are still good but still I lievg in a country where the roads are not all that great - will check them out.

Given the responses, I will change out both ball joints tomorrow and any other worn out suspension parts and then have the car re-aligned.

Thanks, all...............

Hi euronatura-

I agree with all above, however, I would say you don't have to do both sides at the same time given it is an expensive repair.

From my experience, the passenger side does seem to go out more quickly than the driver side. I have owned two 190e since 86, and the driver side has lasted a couple years longer than the passenger on each.

The nice thing is that if you do both at once, you have the peace of mind that it is new!