jdupa

Hello,

I have finished replacing the failed set of lower ball joints (AKA supporting joint) and used the replacement "A 211 330 04 35" joints manufactured by Lemfoerder (apparently Mercedes OEM supplier)
The new joints (picture 1) are replacing an older designs that were prone to premature failures - A 220 333 04 27 and A 211 330 02 35 (picture 2)
I followed an excellent DIY (with slight modifications) from here: http://diyw211balljointchange.blogspot.com/

All went well, and I was able to remove the old joint and press the new one in with no problems.
However, I am concerned about torquing the new joint nut. I applied the specified torque of 50Nm (stage 1) and followed that with a 60 degrees stage 2 finish.
Now, picture 3 shows the original nut on the old joint which seems to thread in deeper than the new one (picture 4) by about two turns. Despite applying the specified torque, the new joint nut seems to seat shallower.
Is this typical of a new joint design?
Has anybody installed the new "A 211 330 04 35" Lemfoerder joint?
There is no play anywhere and everything seems to feel really tight. The car feels new again!!!
Any ideas? Is this safe? Please help!!!

paulv

I'm curious -- is the additional 60 deg twist specified along with the initial 50Nm? As my experience with an additional angle twist after an initial torque setting has only been with "torque-to-yield" bolts which are usually found on cylinder head bolts (which stretches the bolts).

Regards,
paul...

jdupa

Yes, it is 50 Nm for Stage 1 and additional 60 deg for Stage 2. The ball joint nuts are self-locking.

Badfish

Fantastic! Thanks

rhatuk66

Out of curiosity, do you remember which 'slight modifications' you applied? I'm planning to do this myself to a W211 E200...

And did you buy the replacements online? (I'm particularly interested on the brand...)

Thanks!