Totally terrifying ball joint experience
 

I just had a ball joint separate.
Yikes!
Thank God I was in a parking lot, but a few minutes before, I was on the highway.
What's the deal with this?
Doesn't the strut keep the control arm up?
The control arm was pushed down by the spring and is resting on the inside of the wheel.
Also...I'm a pretty good mechanic, but is this a driveway job?
Any idea how much time this job books out at?
Thanks

Wow - Glad to read you are ok.

What kind of car where you driving anyway?

D'oh!
'91 300D 2.5 Turbo.

You need a press to get the new balljoint back in.

There are a bunch of threads that cover it quite well (use search function). There might even be a DIY article (check links at top of page) for this job.

ball joint destruct
 

I had this on a 63 Pontiac happen, after 70 mph ride on thruway, got off, sudden stop at light and bang, wheel folded . (many NY cabs have this problem. not a nice experience. If control arm is not damaged, you can get bolt on ball joints from Adsit for most mercedes Suggest new ones for both wheels. You still will have to have alignment adjustment after installation. You may need new ( or used control arm) Mercedes ball joints from factory are pressed in. good luck, been there, Abe G

Lack of service is the only explanation for a balljoint coming apart. These things are checked at each yearly service when done professionally. When bad its a simple task to just push in another one: see page ten: http://www.klann-online.de/englisch/Produkte/Chapter_2.pdf

If you can't have a thief professionally service your car then it would be wise to find out what is expected for service done properly. It ain't just change the oil every 5k!

Well if that ain't the quote of the day, good one! ;)