w126 lower ball joints... AGAIN
 

Hmm.. eventhough I have the procedures to removing the ball joint down, some hex nuts won't come out and giving me hassles along the way. My question is.. can the lower ball joint be removed without taking the spindle out? How about the hub with the rotor? If so, I assume its with a OE MB tool. Let me know if it can be done.. AND if someone here is willing to rent their tool/s to make this an easier job for me. thank you

ttt anyone?

The spindle is what attaches to the lower ball-joint. It is the part that the rotor/wheel spin on. It has the shiny part, just to make sure we're both talking about the same part. The spindle is attached by the upper, lower ball-joints, and the tie rod. Once you separate all 3 ball joint fittings, the spindle will be free. Actually, the spindle holds the lower ball-joint. I'm doing this off memory. The rotor comes off with the hun. To get it off, you need to pry the center cap off and then wipe out all that grease. Then you will see the horse-shoe shaped nut that is locked on by a small hex-bolt. Undo the hex-bolt then the horse-shoe nut can be spun off. You then should be able to remove the rotor. I can't remember if there is a hex-bolt that holds the rotor on also. If there is this other hex-bolt is is on the outside and is visible as soon as the sheel and caliper is off, etc. I am going to PM you my home telephone number so you can call me if you need any other tips or advice.
Thanks
David

your procedure is more or less correct. Check out your email.. sent you one since your PM box is full:cool:

You have to undo the upper control arm and pop the joint. This way you can get at the lower ball joint nut.

You also have to remove the caliper and hang it with a wire, I use a bent hanger wire. You can remove the tie rod arm attached to the spindle so you don;t have to undo the tie rod joint.