Rauhbatz

Hi MbWorld community...thanks for the steer on the wobble issue over 65mph+ with my left front wheel.

Is a ball joint replacement doable for someone who just does oil changes? I can always go get a Chiltons manual if thats what it takes.

I have a fair amount of tools...just curious if there is something special from a Mercedes standpoint

Turnpike

it's not a special replacement...it's a PIA replacement depending on if you get new bolts or not. the A-Arms tend to seize in so you have to beat them out occasionally. and you'll need access to a press if you plan on replacing the ball joints themselves...or you could get new a-arms with the ball joints already pressed in either way it's still a semi large undertaking, plan on atleast a day for each side at worst case.

Brian McL

Doable...yes. But you will need the right removal/install tool. Removing the ball joint from the steering knuckle will also be a challenge....don't use heat !

Sincity

Don't forget about the proper spring compressor.

Rauhbatz

Thanks all! For certain this does not sound like a back yard oil changer gig...thanks for the advice!

PelicanParts.com

I disagree.

The control arm does not need to come off.
There is no reason to touch the spring.
I can assure you it is not rocket science.
Take a look at this creative home made ball joint press.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/2750527-post2.html


roy@pelicanparts.com


.

Rauhbatz

After finally having some time off off the road to have the left ball joint replaced Im very happy to say that this was the problem of my wobble.

My mechanic replaced it yesterday and now it drives on the freeway smooth as silk and goes like its on rails.

BTW if any Mb World posters live in Ohio I would recommend Tatrai Motors in New Albany...its a single owner shop that does all the hard work for shops around the central ohio area....and is very much into all types of German machinery; even has a WW2 BMW sidecar motorcycle!

Thanks again MB World posters for your help...

Next stop in the journey of my 1991 190 E 2.3 is to replace the radiator...works great while underway but if I stop for a while the temp gauge goes up to 100C...

Vander

I live in the Gahanna/ New Albany area and have never heard of this guy. And a google search didn't turn up anything.

Rauhbatz

Hi Vander...Mr Tatrai doesn't advertise...most of his business comes from dealers and existing customers.

A few years back when I moved back here from ATL I was looking for a local repair shop for our MB's. Germain and Crown do the work on my wife's newer (2007) ML but I wanted someone local for my 190E; its an airport car that gets driven to Port Columbus for biz travel and runs to the grocery store.

I asked around some of the auto parts places and they recommended Tatrai. They all said don't be put off by the modest surroundings (its a big cinder block garage behind his 80+ year old fathers house off Morse Road just south of New Albany). But when I walked in an saw all of the German motorcycles and as well as nearly new S500 awaiting repairs knew I found the right place for my 190E.

Ive had him replace the ball joint, water pump, serpentine belt and a few other things over the years. No credit cards but check and cash will do. Only works weekdays...don't expect loaner cars and free latte's but he does do a great job and really understands the MB marque.

His phone is 614 855 7079.

BTW MB's run in his blood. His father was former Hungarian WW2 air force and knows all about BD601, 605 and other MB aircraft engines....