Why do I need Ball joints? AGAIN!
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
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E320
Why do I need Ball joints? AGAIN!
2003 E320 with 73k on it. Drives perfect. Left ball joint KEEPS GOING! Why? Dealer fixed it first. then is starting squaking again a year later, Brought it to another non dealer to fix because it was half the price of Jerks at MB dealer. One month later- squaking again.. Anyone have this problem? Very annoying to ride down the street sounding like a beat up POC when I spent all that money on a Mercedes!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
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From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
squeaking? ball joints will rattle more then squeak. My best guess is maybe 1 of the two shops you have taken it to, has screwed you over... unless you asked specifically about your ball joints. Things that might squeal... frozen brake calipers... axles(depending on your car being awd or 2wd) hub bearings
none of these are cheap solutions
none of these are cheap solutions
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 90
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From: San Diego, CA
'04 E55; '03 E500 Sport
Interesting...my '03 E500's were replaced at 65K and again at 92K, in neither case did they make any noise. The first time was by an unfamiliar MBZ dealer, the second time by an independent that I trust (Charles Foreign car in Encinitas, CA). No curb hits, etc...
Barry
Barry
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
The lower ones start to squeak when worn. There was a recall for these for early W211. Not all cars affected, it was only one parts supplier who had issues. I wonder if you got your joint replaced with the same bad part, it should not have happened.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
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From: Tampa, FL
E320
i have an 4 e320 and just dropped it off at dealership today to have the ball joints replaced for the 2nd time in 6 months. same squeeking noise you're talking about and it's VERY annoying to hear that sound on every little bump you hit. i have aftermarket rims and tires but mercedes didn't say anything about that the 1st time i took it in, they just replaced the entire setup on the passenger side. i think both sides are gone this time but i'll repost once they let me know.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
i have an 4 e320 and just dropped it off at dealership today to have the ball joints replaced for the 2nd time in 6 months. same squeeking noise you're talking about and it's VERY annoying to hear that sound on every little bump you hit. i have aftermarket rims and tires but mercedes didn't say anything about that the 1st time i took it in, they just replaced the entire setup on the passenger side. i think both sides are gone this time but i'll repost once they let me know.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
DTB P-B-33.15/22 FEB07 Squeaking/thumping noise from front axle – upper ball joint sealing boot on upper control arm damaged/torn.
“Use of an impact wrench during installation; tapered surfaces contaminated with oil or grease; application of excessively high torque would pull the tapered portion of the ball joint too far into the steering knuckle. The sealing boot is too taut on the joint and twists in this area with each rotary movement until the sealing bellows suffer a fatigue fracture. As a result, the joint corrodes and causes noises.”
“Use of an impact wrench during installation; tapered surfaces contaminated with oil or grease; application of excessively high torque would pull the tapered portion of the ball joint too far into the steering knuckle. The sealing boot is too taut on the joint and twists in this area with each rotary movement until the sealing bellows suffer a fatigue fracture. As a result, the joint corrodes and causes noises.”
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Joined: Feb 2006
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2005 E500 AMG pkg
DTB P-B-33.15/22 FEB07 Squeaking/thumping noise from front axle – upper ball joint sealing boot on upper control arm damaged/torn.
“Use of an impact wrench during installation; tapered surfaces contaminated with oil or grease; application of excessively high torque would pull the tapered portion of the ball joint too far into the steering knuckle. The sealing boot is too taut on the joint and twists in this area with each rotary movement until the sealing bellows suffer a fatigue fracture. As a result, the joint corrodes and causes noises.”
“Use of an impact wrench during installation; tapered surfaces contaminated with oil or grease; application of excessively high torque would pull the tapered portion of the ball joint too far into the steering knuckle. The sealing boot is too taut on the joint and twists in this area with each rotary movement until the sealing bellows suffer a fatigue fracture. As a result, the joint corrodes and causes noises.”
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 164
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From: Grand Prairie Texas
'24 GLE53 AMG Coupe
I'm having a similiar issue.
I had the front passenger airmatic strut replaced in June ($1100.00). But now the driver's side ball joint is squeaking. The MB service writer told me the joints really can't serviced, just replaced... I felt like they just needed greasing (that's the sound they were making). But I was told (on here and at the dealer) that there are no grease fittings on the W211. (stupid, if ya ask me).
It's been squeaking for about two weeks now. And I'm leery of getting them (both joints, both sides) replaced, for fear they'll start squeaking again......
I'm tempted to slide the boot back and slap some #4 heavy lube grease on it and see what happens. But I know I'm not.....
I had the front passenger airmatic strut replaced in June ($1100.00). But now the driver's side ball joint is squeaking. The MB service writer told me the joints really can't serviced, just replaced... I felt like they just needed greasing (that's the sound they were making). But I was told (on here and at the dealer) that there are no grease fittings on the W211. (stupid, if ya ask me).
It's been squeaking for about two weeks now. And I'm leery of getting them (both joints, both sides) replaced, for fear they'll start squeaking again......
I'm tempted to slide the boot back and slap some #4 heavy lube grease on it and see what happens. But I know I'm not.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I'm having a similiar issue.
I had the front passenger airmatic strut replaced in June ($1100.00). But now the driver's side ball joint is squeaking. The MB service writer told me the joints really can't serviced, just replaced... I felt like they just needed greasing (that's the sound they were making). But I was told (on here and at the dealer) that there are no grease fittings on the W211. (stupid, if ya ask me).
It's been squeaking for about two weeks now. And I'm leery of getting them (both joints, both sides) replaced, for fear they'll start squeaking again......
I'm tempted to slide the boot back and slap some #4 heavy lube grease on it and see what happens. But I know I'm not.....
I had the front passenger airmatic strut replaced in June ($1100.00). But now the driver's side ball joint is squeaking. The MB service writer told me the joints really can't serviced, just replaced... I felt like they just needed greasing (that's the sound they were making). But I was told (on here and at the dealer) that there are no grease fittings on the W211. (stupid, if ya ask me).
It's been squeaking for about two weeks now. And I'm leery of getting them (both joints, both sides) replaced, for fear they'll start squeaking again......
I'm tempted to slide the boot back and slap some #4 heavy lube grease on it and see what happens. But I know I'm not.....
MB mostly has joints that can be replaced without replacing the whole control arm.
Is your worn joint the upper or the lower one, or one of the others?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
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From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
I tried this years ago when universal replacements boots were available.In a nutshell,i was not worth it.Practicaly it is easy to stop the squeeking but technicaly ,by the time the joint squeeks ,mostlikely the grease is gone and there is damage to the ball or the seat,there is more play and the joint will just wear out really fast regardless of the grease.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I had the ball joints replaced under 100000 warranty at 68,000 miles. Way premature. My Corvette 80,000 driven on the track is solid. My ford truck w/141000 miles still going strong on origional joints. Given the number of failures there must be a design issue with the joint.
Materials, lubrication or sizing will cause these issues. Just too many on this board complaining about ball joints for me to believe there is not a design issue of some type.
Materials, lubrication or sizing will cause these issues. Just too many on this board complaining about ball joints for me to believe there is not a design issue of some type.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 267
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From: Texas
06 CLS500
my guess is the MB dealer didn't replace them the first time, only lubed em.
Ball joints are waaaaay down the list of maintenance items. Its rare to say the least.
You guys need to get your hands dirty and crawl under your cars more often. If anything just to see if **** was replaced. Could save you thousands. I check the oil after each change just to make sure the guy getting "flagged" hours really did my $200 oil change. Trust no one.
Ball joints are waaaaay down the list of maintenance items. Its rare to say the least.
You guys need to get your hands dirty and crawl under your cars more often. If anything just to see if **** was replaced. Could save you thousands. I check the oil after each change just to make sure the guy getting "flagged" hours really did my $200 oil change. Trust no one.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
my guess is the MB dealer didn't replace them the first time, only lubed em.
Ball joints are waaaaay down the list of maintenance items. Its rare to say the least.
You guys need to get your hands dirty and crawl under your cars more often. If anything just to see if **** was replaced. Could save you thousands. I check the oil after each change just to make sure the guy getting "flagged" hours really did my $200 oil change. Trust no one.
Ball joints are waaaaay down the list of maintenance items. Its rare to say the least.
You guys need to get your hands dirty and crawl under your cars more often. If anything just to see if **** was replaced. Could save you thousands. I check the oil after each change just to make sure the guy getting "flagged" hours really did my $200 oil change. Trust no one.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
E320
i believe they replaced the entire control arm instead of just the ball joint. and i made a mistake when i said it was the same side that went out both times. it was the right side first and this was the left side. hopefully i don't have to go back any time soon.
