Hogger

I need some help.
I'm changing my lower and upper control arm bushings, but I can see it's going to be a real pain trying to press them while still attached to the car.
My question is, do the control arms just come off with a bolt at the hub, or is there a ball joint in there that will require more work, and I'm assuming a new replacement ball joint?

splinter

The bushings are essentially impossible to R&R in situ.
Mine required a substantial push from a friend’s 10-ton workshop press to do the deed.

The ball joints are an integral part of the arms (i. e., not replaceable separately).
Although the joints typically outlive -based upon age and mileage- the bushings by a factor of at least two, it’s almost always advantageous to replace them concurrently.
Complete replacement (OE-supplier Lemförder recommended) assemblies are surprisingly affordable from various vendors.

The longitudinal (torque) arms will likely require a puller to disengage from the hub carrier/steering knuckle.
You’re welcome borrow mine…I don’t anticipate using it again for a while.

Hogger

If I use a ball joint separator tool to remove the arm, will I be able to re-install the arm after getting the bushings in? Or once the ball joint has been removed it's no good?

Thanks

sammydragon3

how r u gunna get the bushings out first...?

u need a special mercedes tool to press them out like the balljoints

Glyn M Ruck

You will be able to reuse if the ball joint is sound. A proper separator/puller will not damage the joint.

I don't mean to contradict my good friend splinter but if you have the genuine mercedes tool used by dealers then replacement of the Castor & Camber bushes in situ is easy - watched them do mine. Make sure that you mark the three position bush orientation in the arms. It is crucial.
I suspect that neat little tool is cost prohibitive.

While you are fitting new bushes - fit fluted bolts - then you can set wheel alignment properly.

Stolen from splinter's excellent thread & one of mine.













Or you can just replace the 4 arms complete with fluted bolts at higher cost. Depends on your ball joint condition.

Good luck!

Hogger

Excellent. Thanks.
My bolts aren't fluted. I do remember reading a thread where the bolts were being replaced by MB I think. Maybe I need some new ones.

Glyn M Ruck

The standard bolt only fits the center position in the bush. You need fluted bolts to allow adjustment. Benz being cheap!

mleskovar

I did mine without disconnecting the ball joints. I used a gear puller to remove the old bushings and press in the new ones. No doubt removing the whole arm would make it easier/quicker though.

splinter

^ Apologies to all for posting faulty intel.

Hogger

I got the old ones out by carefully drilling and cutting the rubber out. Then cutting a small groove in the outer ring to release the tension and slide it out.

Glyn M Ruck

Not at all! - Without the correct tools I can imagine it being a female dog.