aolsen

Hey guys, I'm usually on the W203 forums, but I'm helping a friend of mine. He drives a 2002 ML320, needs new front ball joints. Indy shop wants too much money, my father is a Mechanic and will be doing the repair. Is there a special tool needed to perform this? I did some research and it seems we'll need the Mercedes Benz M-Class Pin Wrench Ball Joint Socket Tool. I've seen threads about ball joints repairs for the ML, but haven't gotten a clear answer.

Is there anything else we'll need? Thanks...

sdanville

NOTHING HERE ABOUT BALL JOINTS. I just bought a pair for my ML320. I will have to post what I did soon. My best sorce Mercedesshop.com seems to be gone.

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I found this...at peach something site. Copy and paste. I suspect he left out a few things,
Like remove tire and wheel, jack up, take off nut with special wrench, bang out with hammer,tap in with hammer snug to avoid buying a torque wrench.

Ball joint replacement on an ML is an easy job! The old ones just KNOCK out with a hammer & the replacements are held in with a LARGE nut at the bottom.

ONLY problem is getting the SPECIAL nut to the correct torque, special tool required!
__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
40 years foreign automotive repair

mbdoc-pe@hotmail.com

sdanville

I would like to hear the post operation results.

anjy834u

with the help of Mercedes Benz M-Class Pin Wrench Ball Joint Socket Tool get the issue fixed but get it done by a professional.

PHML

autozone sells ball joint puller for cheap....I bought mines for $12....used it for my Lexus and Mercedes.

NeedsWings

i just replaced all the lower ball joints on my 2000 ml320, you will need an air hammer to get them out and large pipe wrench to get back in

ML 500 mz

I dropped my ML500 ( 03 with 83K) at MB dealer for PA state inspection. I then went to a friends service station having my daughters BMW tires rotated/balance and alignment when the MB dealer called me with the bad news. I needed lower ball joints to pass inspection. Price was $872.32. I checked with the service station I was at, Best he could was $660.00. A difference of $212.00. A nice savings but, at the time, not worth the bs of jockeying the cars around. I had the dealer do the job. Point is, for a bit more money the MB dealer did a good job with OE grade parts. Anyway you look at it, it ain't cheap.

sdanville

Yesterday I replaced an outer tie rod on the ML320.
1) remove wheel. 2) Nut off ball joint 3) Hit housing ball joint goes through to shock it out. 3) loosen lock nut at other end. screw out tie rod 25 revolutions. Replace.
Cost. $25.00

90% cured the fuzzy steering feel. Next is the front lower ball joints.

$17.69 each for Karlyn ball joints.

ML 500 mz

I try to do as much as I can on the ML. When time for plugs, pads, etc., no problem for DIY. You said cost for lower ball joints at Auto Zone @ $17.00 each. I checked with a friend that owns an Auto Parts store prior to having work done and was quoted $96.00 each.... lower ball joints for ML500 (03). Maybe for ML500 a much different type ball joint?? Or, I'm going to start shopping at Auto Zone.


Thanks for the info...

ML 500 mz

My mistake. Where did you get the ***** joints price? Because that's going to be my new Auto Parts store. Thanks...