Need feedback on DIY article - Ball Joints on 124
 

I started a thread a while ago looking for advice on replacing the ball joints on my 92 300e. Thank you to all the contributors. After the job I did a write-up:
http://www.ryan-partners.com/ftp/root/Replacing_Ball_Joints.htm

Please take a look and provide some feedback. Also, how do I add an article to the DIY section?

Thanks,
Robert

Very good how-to do it yourself.

Only one suggestion, latex gloves do not protect against petrochemical vapor intrusion. Only nitril gloves have proven to be a barrier against petrochemicals into the skin, vapors also intrude through the lungs. Many auto mechanics have succumb to cancer such as multiple myoloma, after years of exposure to gasoline with MTBE, benzene, motor oils, brake and transmission fluids and cleaning solvents.

While doing ball joints probably isn't a high priority for caution, it's a good habit to get into being aware and protecting yourself. Also, many people have become sensitized to epoxies, as many wore latex gloves thinking they were protected, but were not. Nitril gloves are the only known gloves made from a material that effectively acts as a barrier.

Nitril gloves are available now at most auto parts stores. I bought a box of them from AutoZone recently.

Re-installing the ball joint is easier if you leave the ball joint in a deep-freeze for a few hours. Great write-up.

Jorg

89-300ce: Another excellent tip - Freezing the ball joints. I'll add that to the writeup.

BusyBenz: Good point about the latex gloves. I knew that brake cleaner and carb cleaner pretty much go straight through latex, but I always thought I was okay with epoxy. I'll upgrade to nitrile.

Thanks,
Robert

Robert,
It think that the write up is great.

You've provided great a value for DIYers, particularly in showing the use of hardware store supplies and other stuff to get the job done; such innovation and ingenuity is worth sharing.

I appreciate you having taken the time to produce it.

Here is the new URL

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BallJoint