Ball Joints
 

Hello,
I believe my front end joints need to be replaced, I have done this on numerous Saabs, but am still relatively new to the engineering wonders of Mercedes. One parts place where I was going to order my new joints, showed a special tool that was "required" to press my joints into the knuckle. It cost like 300 dollars. Do I need this? Have others been able to change their joints and what did you do to press your joints into the knuckle?

Thanks,

C. Landry

Type, model and year of car will help a lot.

Right, I should really fix my signature, I will do that today. Anyway, it's a 1987 420 SEL.

Thanks

C. Landry

It is a little trickier than the Saab. The following link should help:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1271936#post1271936

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1266227#post1266227

Other things to consider are the guide rod bearings and - for safety sake - the proper spring compressor.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1267837#post1267837

I don't recall it being all too hard last time I did a 126- once the steering knuckle is out, flip it over and put it in a vice, use a large hammer and knock out the ball joint.

I haven;t used it yet but I hear advance auto or autozone rents the press tool to install the new joints. there have been mixed feelings on using their tool in the past.