In the next month or so I will be rebuilding the front end of my 85 SD. I already have a Klan style spring compressor(Bilstein). I was thinking of getting this front end service set. For $100 bucks it seems like a decent deal. This is the other set I was considering. Will either set be good enough to get the job done? What is the quality of OTC compared K-D tools. From the looks of things, the OTC set is bit more robust.

As well, are there any other more specialized tools I will be needing. I am trying to get all the parts/tools I will need together before I start the job. Also please don't suggest I go down to the local auto-parts store and rent/borrow them. I live in Canada and our auto-parts store are massively over priced and do not offer such a service.

Thanks in advance

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1985 300SD

I suspect that the OTC and K-D tools are exactly the same, except for the name. While the K-D set is a particularly good buy, you really don't need all five tools. I have the lever-type ball joint separator and the larger, two-arm puller as shown. That's all I ever need.

You are also going to need a ball joint press. I recommend that you make every effort to procure a MB specific press or find a shop that has the correct press and hire them to install the ball joints in the spindles for you.

If you are replacing all the front end ball joints with new ones then the separators are not necessary. Using a ball joint pickle fork will do the job. An impact style is easier on you. Both will destroy the ball joint boot. If you are replacing all of them then who cares about the condition of the old ball joint???

How are you going to do the lower control arm ball joint. The Mercedes press is the way to go but a Harbor Freight ball joint press can be modified to work, and it alot cheaper.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

I did the steering on my 300sdl, I liked the lever tool I bought from Napa, worked great, turned with wrench and with a loud snap the tie rod ends separated. Allen wrenchs for when you put them together might come in handy, I just tapped them with hammer and they seemed to seat.

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86 300SDL

A pickle fork is a separator!!! Just not a very good one. Plus, two different sizes will be required.

Plus, the fork can gouge the control arm or spindle, which, in turn, tears up the new grease boot in short order.

ahh youth...
anyway, pull out a large pair of hammers and set one on one side of the ball joint, and whack as hard as you can on the other side... the ball joint will pop right out without damage to either the boot or the LCA...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

You will also need a bushing press for the bearing carrier and lower control arm. I made a homemade one using cheap 3/4 dr. sockets, 7/16 dia. all-thread, nuts and washers.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Check out this link - it will give you some ideas on tools needed:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=179284&highlight=ball

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~shell
As of 2/2010:
2001 CLK55 0o\=*=/o0
13.6 @ 106mph
10K mi
1984 300SD
260K mi and going and going...
97 S600
46K miles
1991 Sentra SE-R (extremely dorked with)
www.se-r.net