Oh well I guess I don't get to keep any secrets. The caster joint (as I call it) becomes really simple with a small non MB tool. A porta power.

This is a hydraulic ram that is hand operated. The ram is placed on the lower control arm in the area of the lower ball joint and the other end rests on the frame in the rear (some where I don't really remember but where ever it's solid). A few pumps, and the removal of the vertical bolts, allows the small aluminum subframe (that houses the joint) to hang in space. Now just unscrew it from the strut rod.

Remove and replace the joint and install in reverse order. My best guy at this (he is not a fast tech just the one who does it the most) can do both sides in about 20 minutes, but he usualy takes an hour. It is one of the places we win at as we charge 3 hours. If you do it your way you will be lucky to do it in three hours (both sides).

We almost never release the spring. Replacement of the lower control arm or the forward strut arm bushings maybe (they are under the lower spring seat).

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician