300SE Ball Joints??
 

I'm getting ready to sell my 1993 300se. Before I put it on the market I need to replace the drivers side ball joint because it's screaming. I'd like to avoid paying the bill just sell the car. I realize I'll have to spring for an alignment, but I'd rather not pay for the ball joint job. Does anyone know how big of a job this is?? Are there any little pitfalls I should lookout for??

By the way, I'm picking up my 1999 E430 tomorrow! Any suggestions on what to look out for with her?

The upper ball joint is very easy, but I assume since they rarely fail, you are talking about the lower.
One of the toughest jobs I ever did on a 126.
You must remove the steering knuckle in order to press out/in the ball joint.
Then you must have the special ball joint installer to get the new joint in, this puller costs a couple hundred $$$.
Best bet is to remove the spindle and take it to a mechanic who has the special install tool.

I did a pretty decent writeup of the job last month, I think - search under my posts, and check it out.
Not saying it can't be done - I did it in the garage, but it was a toughy, and I still had to have the new BJ pressed in at the MB shop.

DG

Anyone had this job done in a shop??? I hate letting anyone work on my car, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find the time (and I'd rather devote all my upcoming free time to the new E430).

Could anyone give me a ballpark on what I'm looking at to get a lower ball-joint replaced???

Think any random alignment/mechanic shop could be trusted to accomplish the job?

Cliff, my bad. I saw 300SE and thought W126 chassis.
Not sure if the 140 is as bad, and absolutely requires the special press tool.
Maybe someone else can chime in.

DG

I just found these on EBAY. If I buy these, I shouldn't need any special tool right? Shouldn't they just be a straight swap of whats currently there? I can't just go out and look b/c the cars currently being stored at my parents.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Lower-Ball-Joint-SET-W140-S420-S500-400SE-SEL_W0QQitemZ370027869438QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370027869438

bump

Cliff, I never did BJ on one as new as a 140, so can't say for sure.
But looking at diagrams of the suspension and the part, it appears pretty easy.
You will still need a generic puller to get the old BJ loose, but the installation looks very easy, just insert and bolt on. You can find the torque specs in the archives here, just do a search.
I hope someone who has done this on a 140 will add some good tips.

DG