Let us discuss W126 front suspension rebuilds...
 

The SDL is going to be receiving a nice gift late spring, a rebuilt front suspension (rear will be in the fall hopefully). :D Yet prior to this, I have some questions regarding product.

I see many brands listed for parts, Febi... Conti... Lemforder... Meyle... etc. I see that Lem is more expensive, yet is it worth the additional cash? :confused: Can the part be that much better to warrant the extra cost? I do not mind spending extra if it's worth it, but to me... rubber is just rubber.

Also, I have seen that the Lem ball joints require a special tool. Is there truth to this?

Lemforder is OE, I try and buy them whenever they are offered. But TRW and Moog are pretty good too.

Just stay away from I think "Ocap" the cheap upper control arms you get on Ebay for $40.

You can't draw any conclusions from sitting behind your monitor.;)

I got a pair installed.

We'll see how they do..............

I'm staring down the barrel of a front end rebuild on my 86 420SEL...makes all sort of clunking noises. I'm dreading it, but one of these days I have to just jump in and do it.

When I rebuilt mine I did everything except LCA bushings. Bought all my parts at FastLane and laid out less than $500. I *think* most of my parts were Lemforder, but can't recall for certain. Basically a decent weekend project.

BTW, all of the lower ball joints require a special press mandril. I took the easy way out and had my local indy shop press in the new ball joints for me. Cost me one hours labor for both steering knuckles. It was definitely worth my time to do it that way...no special tool to buy and no hassles!

Can you tell me more about this MB balljoint press? I have three W126s that I am sure I could use it on more than once...

Looks like I'll pick up Lemforder where I can and roll the dice for the others. :D

Here's a link to the ball joint press:

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=SUB&CAT=MERCEDES%20TOOLS&SUB=MB%20BALL%20JOINT

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=M0063&CTMP=1

A substantial and expensive tool. If you have many cars to do, it would be worth the purchase, IMHO. (I may do that since my kids might get W124's for their first cars, cough cough)

Oh my, $360... didn't think it was that spendy. I guess I could toss it in the Loan-A-Tool program maybe if I purchase it.

Would a one that can be rented from O'Reilly or AutoZoo work?

Because of the angle of the joint in the knuckle, you're better off with the proper tool. I remember reading on these boards about several who managed to utilize one of the generic press mandrils, but that required some jerry rigging to get the joint pressed in straight. Might be able to dig up those old threads in a search...I just can't recall who posted or in which forum. Sorry.

proper ball joint press tool
 

I STRONGLY recomend either buying or renting the proper angled MB ball joint tool. Several firms USED to loan/rent them but had a run of damaged returns and stopped that program. Maybe time for you folks to join together and spring for the tool. ESSENTIAL for replacing the MB ball joints.

I'd buy it if there is enough interest to rent it out on the tool program on here.