I'd like to change my front low ball joint but do want to dismentle everything. Is this possible and do I have to clamp the spring with compressor before I take off the low control arm?

replacing that ball joint requires a "large" hammer to remove & a press to re-install. doubt that can be done on the car

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

The spindle would have to come off and be placed in a vice, then knock the ball joint out with a large hammer. thats how I do them anyways...

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

You might be able to lower the control arm enough to remove the spring but there's a big saftey question and you won't get the spring back on by reversing that process.

Sixto
93 300SD

Thanks, guys. It really helps. Now seems to me I have to dismentle the whole front ( shock, spring, uppper arm, low arm, etc. I haven't had all that experience, especially worried about the safety problem, like spring and shock. I don't have MB spring compressor, and Auto Zone has a 4 piece compressor, has anyone used these? Maybe I just let the tore ball joint run for a while until I gain more experience on the car. (So far I have only changed rotors). How long it will last with tore ball joint? So far both my upper and low ball joints are leaking as well shock, but no strange noise yet as well as no bumping problem ( it won't bouce 2-3 time when press the bumper) Only more free play on steering.

Bill

86 420 SEL