I am about to replace a few HLC's (ball studs) on a 1989 420 SEL. I've read the service CD as how the job should be done. I received the HLCs today and I see there is small plastic wire and tab, about the diameter of a toothpick protruding from the underside of the top flange. Should this plastic wire and tab be pulled out prior to installation? What's the purpose of the plastic insert?

Also I noticed that some of the old ball studs come up right away, and some come up slowly, like in a few minutes. Is the speed of the rise any indication of a defect?

Can one expect the service cd instructions to be complete?

Any and all recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

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1989 420 SEL