'90 300E ball joint replacement / tool

[Andy_M]

I have a '90 300E with a bad ball joint on the pass side. Need to know 2 things if someone could help......

1) Can they be removed with a "C" type ball joint removal tool such as this: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-ball-joint-u-joint-c-frame-press-service-kit-38335.html ,or do they have to be pressed out/in using a hydraulic press?

2) What is the reccommended replacement part manufacturer. (i.e...Lemforder, Pex/Myley, etc...)

[Billybob]

Originally Posted by Andy_M

I have a '90 300E with a bad ball joint on the pass side. Need to know 2 things if someone could help......

1) Can they be removed with a "C" type ball joint removal tool such as this: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-ball-joint-u-joint-c-frame-press-service-kit-38335.html ,or do they have to be pressed out/in using a hydraulic press?

2) What is the reccommended replacement part manufacturer. (i.e...Lemforder, Pex/Myley, etc...)

You can hammer them out, they remove downward from the LCA, witha little creative thinking a section of appropriate sized pipe and a piece of steel plate or two they can be installed using a "C" frame press like the free rental tool from Auto Zone.

When pounding the old ones out having the LCA supported by something like a jack stand rather than something softer like wooden blocks makes it easier.

I like Lemforder brand wise, seeing that you are up here in the rust belt you should order new ball joint stud bolts and nuts before you start to have on hand. The bolt is the critical securing fastener between the ball joint's stud and the wheel carrier, it is grade 10 and has a long shoulder. That long shoulder intersects with a cut-out in the ball joint stud to form a positive lock. The old bolt may be very hard to remove and often times is corroded where it intersects the ball joint stud.

Start spraying the fasteners with a penetrant a couple days before attempting the job. Have a propane torch available, 19 mm 6 point serious sockets and wrenchs, a breaker bar and a 4" extension.

[samiam44]

There is very little edge for the press-tool to fit on. You must find a sleeve for the tool which fits the MB ball joint fairly close.

If you've got a friend.. you can easily machine one from a piece of pipe from the hardware store. I made one from double -extra strength ... I think that would be schedule 160 pipe. Made one side fit the ball joint .. machined the other to fit the tool.


M