I finally got around to checking the balljoints on my C230 today. I jacked up under the control arm (using a piece of 1x6 to protect it). I raised the tire about 2" off the garage floor. I pryed up under the tire and measured the play in the lower ball joint. It was about .090" which is about 3/32" or 2.3mm.

Is this amount of play considered:

Small?
Large?

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

There shouldnt be any play at the ball joint. To test the ball joint jack up the car or put it on a lift and grab the tire at 9 and 3 o clock and wiggle the tire back and forth. Have an assitant look under the car while you do that. If there is movement then you need them replaced.

This is just general and maybe leaving some info out.

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

I agree, no play.

But check wheel bearings too. They will wear and give a little play which can be adjusted away.

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.