Lower Control Arm R&R W124
 

I'm wondering if the LCA on any W124 chassis are the same.
Mine has replaceable ball joints.
My 1995 E300D has the driver side one bent.

MB# 1243303007
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?SUPERCAT_FLAG=Y&make=MBZ&please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&descriptio n=1243303007+&x=3&y=11

I've heard bad things about Euro brand and have always used Lemfoerder.
Any opinions? Where to buy etc...?

Let's not get into the spring compressor / no spring compressor debate please.

They are the same. IIRC the gassers do not have replaceable ball joints.

the E300D has replaceable joints, the only cars that did not have replaceable joints were the E320, E420, E500 and the 300E that used the M104 engine.

If you peek into the front wheel holes and see fixed calipers you need the whole arm, if you see floating type then the joint is a serviceable item.

AND,
if you see that fixed caliper, GRAB THE ENTIRE HUB ASSEMBLY WITH THE CALIPERS!!! and rotors!
your stopping distance will significantly reduce, and brake pad life goes up!

Thanks Zulfigar and vstech
engatwork, guess we both learned something.

vstech, you are saying that I want a non-replaceable ball joint lower control arm? Why is the braking so much better with the fixed caliper?
I have ATE rotors and Ake pads that work pretty well. But I am always interested in learning about "better".
So, if I go the fixed rotor route do you have a photo of what they look like?

the fixed calipers are 4 piston opposing action biting on larger rotors. If you think the W124 regular brakes are good then these brakes will make you hurt.

The reason that MB had to use the fixed ball joint arms was that the original ones did not clear the larger rotors. The cast in ball joint control arms have the joints tilted inwards a bit to make some clearance for the rotors. With such ball joints, inspecting joint boots is a monthly task and replacement of the plastic boots is mandatory at the slightest sign of tear or damage.

Thanks Z it sounds as if you have done this swap!
Guess I need a trip to pick & pull. If i understand this correctly I'm going to look for a E320, E420, E500 and the 300E that used the M104 engine or I guess any W124 with non floating 4 piston calipers if the engine is removed, take the entire hub rotor assembly, and get ready to feel some pain of severe deceleration.

point to note, for maximum masochist effect (lol) get the twin brake booster from a E420 or something complete with master cylinder.