So I heave searched up and down but have not been able to find the information that I am looking for.

The Ball Joints on the lower control arms on my 1984 190D need to be replaced. Which from what I have read now use the same ball joints as the W124.

Can I use the Autozone Ball joint tool to install them or do I need something special?

Also what would I need to remove them?

Thanks,
Taylor

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'84 190D 2.2 OM601.911 144K

I have not done it yet, but I recall seeing a video, perhaps on utube, that illustrates the use of the Klann spring compressor and lower bal joints on the W201.

Its pretty easy and I think you can just knock them out and press them in with a simple press such as the AZ rental.

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The press does need to be "modified" slightly for the W124 cars. The folks at autozone might not be too keen on that. There's definitely a thread on here, 'cause I looked at it when I did mine, and modified my Harbor Freight - the same as the AZ one - press accordingly. I don't think the ball joints are the same, W123 vs. W124. I've been wrong before, but definitely do some checking. You don't necessarily need a spring compressor, but if you separate the ball joint without supporting the lower control arm OR compressing the spring to the point where there is no load on the LCA, said spring will separate itself from the vehicle in a rapid, uncontrolled manner. Not something you want to have happen under ordinary circumstances. Please note, the ball joint needs to be oriented in a certain way - mark on the ball joint pointing toward the center of the LCA. Please refer to the FSM for more info.

All-in-all, pretty straightforward. One thing - of a very few - that is easier on the later cars.

Jay.

P.S. Just re-read the original post. Not so sure about the W201/W124 ball joints. DUH!

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

I have the same car as you. I tried the tool that my local auto parts store would loan out, but it wasn't compatible.

I ended up making my own tool out of wood; it wasn't that hard. See this post for pictures (no spring compressor is needed).

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=1201781&postcount=8

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1989 250TD Wagon 5-speed, 160,000mi ::: Dark gray metallic / black cloth
1984 190D-2.2 5-speed, 287,000mi ::: Silver-blue metallic / black MB-tex ::: SOLD