Special Tool for Ball Joint Replacement - ML320
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2013 S550, CLS500, ‘03 SL500, “92 190E Sportline
Special Tool for Ball Joint Replacement - ML320
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...
Is there anything else we'll need? Thanks...
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Western Michigan
ml320
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!
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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
Last edited by sdanville; Sep 1, 2010 at 10:19 AM. Reason: more information
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 771
Likes: 7
From: Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii
2011 GLK350 P1, Multi-media & AMG Pkg; 2010 E350 w/ prem 2; 2018 4Runner SR5 Prem. 4x4
autozone sells ball joint puller for cheap....I bought mines for $12....used it for my Lexus and Mercedes.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Glenmoore, Pa
2003 ML 500
Ball joint repair
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.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Western Michigan
ml320
it aint cheap if you pay to have it done.
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.
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.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Glenmoore, Pa
2003 ML 500
Amen to that...not cheap if you pay to have work done
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...
Thanks for the info...
No mention of Auto Zone
