I have a 85 Mercedes which has 247000 mile on it and I'm in the starting stage of rebuilding the front suspenion. All the ball joints are sealed.( no grease fittings) Is it possiable to tap these sealed ball joint and install grease fittings in them. Also If the ball joints are good and just the boots are worn out can I just replace the boot and if so where can I purchase them. Thanks for any help anyone can offer.
shardison

heard of anybody tapping them and putting in zerks. however i have numerous times had the boots replaced when the joints are still tight and the boots cracked. you can get them at your favorite mb parts specialist. also i have a needle attachment for my grease gun and i often squirt some grease in my boots if they feel suspect or are squeaking. i often do it when i first get a used benz and am doing the brake pads.

good luck


tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks Tom for your Help. Can you tell me where you got your needle for your grease gun. Is it like the one you use to put air in a basket ball?

Shardison

You can get it from McMaster-Carr.

The p/n is: 1187K11. Cost is $2.41.

Hello,

I have replaced all my steering boots without any problems. This was done on my w123 and w124 series cars. Getting the clip that comes with the boot is challenging to install though.

These can be ordered from your favourite Mercedes parts supplier.
I have also drilled holes in the ball joints to insert grease nipples.

brian

What ball joints? The tie rod ends? They cost $10 each don't mess with them just replace them.

If the lower ball joints are still tight just leave them be. They are cheap, but kind of a pita to get at.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I have all new steering components I'm putting in this weekend. I've installed grease fittings in all of them. I prefer to use Mobil28 instead of the "who knows what is in there" stuff. Outting grease in the boot does little for the joint.

Here's a link to the MB service manual:

http://mb.braingears.com/126_DISC1/program/chassis_300SD.htm

You need a spring compressor, available for rent from various people here on the site. I found that once I started to overhaul my front end, it just made sense to replace everything. I have a few pics and I can post the links.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Here's a link to another thread with some pics.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=130972

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I'm under the assumption that the components had no capability to accept any grease fittings??

You drilled and tapped them??

Yes Brian, they were all Lemforder items.

Way to go! That's quite an accomplishment. I'd be worried about getting chips in the joint.

me too, but the joint itself is prob a lot harder than the end cover and perhaps will just chew up the shavings, if any, and laugh at them.

for my self i will continue to use the needle.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Not really Brian. This is a standard mod I've been doing on Fords since the inception of their "PermaLube Suspension". Maybe late '70's. I drill the joint holding it upside down. Pick out anything I see. Then move on. The chips are a non-issue, as TW said, the joint is much harder than the sheet metal cover.

You use a hand drill?

Drill right in the center of the joint......on the cover?