'04 C320 4Matic Front Lower Ball Joint
12-04-2010, 08:03 PM
#1
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'04 C320 4Matic Front Lower Ball Joint
Guys,
The boot on the front lower ball joint was damaged (during one of the repair jobs). This ball joint is on the lower control arm. On a 4Matic, this control arm is more than $400. Any suggestions on how/where to get a replacement of just the ball joint? I can take the parts to mechanic, he can press out the old ball joint and press in the new one. Where can I get just the ball joint?
The boot on the front lower ball joint was damaged (during one of the repair jobs). This ball joint is on the lower control arm. On a 4Matic, this control arm is more than $400. Any suggestions on how/where to get a replacement of just the ball joint? I can take the parts to mechanic, he can press out the old ball joint and press in the new one. Where can I get just the ball joint?
12-04-2010, 11:44 PM
#3
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Not sure where you're getting that price from but you can buy the OEM Lemfoerder control arm from rmeuropean.com for about $120 which includes the ball joint. I don't think you can just replace the ball joint itself. The good news is if you replace the control arm, it comes with a new lower control arm bushing.
12-05-2010, 05:12 AM
#5
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You cannot replace just the ball joint. Need the whole arm. Very expensive! 
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 12-05-2010 at 05:19 AM.
12-05-2010, 11:05 AM
#7
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Thanks guys for the feedback... that's what I was afraid... the ball joint doesn't come separately. Each control arm [for the 4Matic] is $436 at RMeuropean and more than $500 at my local MB dealer. :-(
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12-05-2010, 08:10 PM
#9
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ontmiss, thanks for searching the prices.
not bad... $110 price difference for each control arm. I will see if there is any other place with better price. Otherwise, I will go with Parts.com.
not bad... $110 price difference for each control arm. I will see if there is any other place with better price. Otherwise, I will go with Parts.com.
12-05-2010, 08:15 PM
#10
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You might try some black silicone sealer in the mean time. I've repaired ball joint boots for the short term with it. It might buy you some time to find another A-arm.
12-05-2010, 09:43 PM
#12
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Depending on how long it will take you to fix it. The idea is to repair the tears to keep the water, and dirt out of the ball joint. The black silicone sealer tends to be stiffer and more durable than the others (at least the one I tried).
I did that for one of my cars - I don't remember which one. It might have been a race car and so I probably replaced the part pretty soon. If you're actively setting up to make the repair, you may not need to worry about it. I doubt that you'd be in any trouble if you replace it in a couple of weeks. It might add a little peace of mind, though. If it will take you longer to get it replaced, I would definitely do it and maybe check it every once in a while.
I did that for one of my cars - I don't remember which one. It might have been a race car and so I probably replaced the part pretty soon. If you're actively setting up to make the repair, you may not need to worry about it. I doubt that you'd be in any trouble if you replace it in a couple of weeks. It might add a little peace of mind, though. If it will take you longer to get it replaced, I would definitely do it and maybe check it every once in a while.
12-06-2010, 07:14 AM
#13
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thank you all for your feedback. I intend to buy a set of control arms when I come back next month from my business trip.
