If you use a separator to push apart a ball joint, and if the boot isn't ripped can the ball joint be resued?

I'm thinking of my 1998 C-class and it's front upper control arm

Clarify a bit more, please. Do you mean the ball joint was pressed out, or the spindle was seperated from the BJ? If the former, then why would you want to? Bj's are a cheap part, and you'll need one eventually, anyway. If the latter, then why not?

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1989 300E 144K

if it is tight and the boot is not torn (the boot can be replaced too as far as that goes), and it is undamaged i dont see why you cant reuse.

but it wouldnt pay to do so if you are paying for the labor, i wouldnt think.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Sorry!. I missed your previous post Ethan.The ball joint is part of the upper control arm on this car and must be replaced as a unit, so if the boot is not torn and there is no slack in the joint go ahead and reconnect it.

Thanks for the responses.

I am doing the work myself, and on the C-class the upper outer ball joint is NOT sold separately, and a new upper outer ball joint would mean a new upper control arm and I didn't want to go that route.

I was going to pull my steering knuckle (upright ) off the car so it would be easier to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Matt, I think in this case I mean the upper ball joint was just pressed out, I am doing this for the first time.

Shandy, In my haynes manual (U.K. version) they show the upper ball joint out of the upper control arm and then reused when putting everything back together.



Appreciate all the help. I am learning.

Tom . Thank You. Didn't intend not to acknowledge you in my previous reply. All these responses are very helpful.

Scott

I don't think so Ethan, page 10.10,illustration 8.2b shows the balljoint being released from the knuckle not the upper arm.
Cheers, Geo.

Shandy your correct, you know what your talking about, impressive.
Now I'm ready to do the job.

THANKS!

Good, let us know how you get on.