rondocap

So the other day I was driving on the highway, with an S55 2001. I heard a bit of a screeching sound, and afterwards anytime I'd drive slowly or turn the steering wheel slowly, the front was making a creaking sound. This was especially true when going over bumps slowly. At speed on the highway there is no noise.

OK, so I took it to Mercedes and got it checked it. Both lower ball joints have a lot of "play" and wear on them, and the control arm too - they said it's a little bit cracked. (But not broken).

So the cost to replace those 3 parts is $1620. The parts themselves aren't expensive...but the labor is like 125 an hour. Is there anywhere legitimate that I can get this done cheaper? Any good indie Mercedes Techs in the NY tri-state area?

Also...strangely enough it was raining today and after they looked at it the noise stopped - Is it possible the water lubricated it a bit?

Is it safe to drive with the ball joints a bit worn? How long can I drive it for, or is it something that needs immediate attention?

Thanks!

alkemist

My mechanic replaced my control arms/ball joints for 150 bucks total if I remember correctly. I provided the genuine parts bought off Ebay for 200.

Yes the parts themselves are not expensive and labor costs really depend on the shop doing the work. You would find huge price differences between what each one of us on these forums pays for repair.

To drive or not to drive?
The car should not fall apart, but with every bump, you're putting more and more pressure on your front suspension components. You have less damping and less distribution of shock the wheels absorb from the road, as the rubber linings are worn. So driving it will certainly put more pressure on other components of suspension and perhaps cause some other things to wear out faster than they should. But you should really consider replacing them asap, since you will have a much better and stable ride afterwards. Check all other suspension components too!

alkemist

Good mechanics I know that specialize in MB:

Ive tried a bunch of guys,

Independent Mercedes, by Hewlett, NY (does not go overboard with pricing, uses only MB parts)

Or the Diagnostic Center by Laguardia College in Long Island City. Their prices are very good too. Star diagnostic is only 70 dollars.

fusion2007

even when the ball joints are all worn out.. u can still drive them forever.the only reason why u hear the sound is because the seals that r used to soften the ball joints.. wears away,very easily

i got all of mine changed for about 1200 or 1300

vettdvr

Caution these are steering parts that affect safety. If you have a crack in a part and it is still together the stress concentration at the crack could result in sudden failure. I recommend you have it repaired asap at the location of your choice. BTW,, there are places other than dealers that can do this work. Squeeking ball joints can and have failed the joint by breaking resulting in failure of steering.

E43 S

i replaced my control arms for 155$ each, and 90 $ labor 30 min, in Greenpoint Brooklyn, ...parts genuine benz parts.

vettdvr

Did you happen to take any repair photos you could share on how you did the work. It might help others make the decision if they are considering it for DIY.

rondocap

Yeah..I gave in and just took it to Mercedes. Got some local quotes but the prices were all fairly close, even to the dealer price - so I rather just take it to Mercedes and have it done right - at least there I am sure they guarantee it, and the people who work on it know the cars very well.

Sounds great now! The noise is completely gone, the ride is very good too. Replaced the lower ball joints, and control arm bushings.

Arkmerc

wallyp

While I do hope that someone from your area can help you - did you realize that the post that you responded to was dated in 2009? Not too likely that alkemist is still around...

EasyPhil

Try Kraft German auto in Brooklyn.