Cost to replace Ball joints/Control arm? Where to go?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Cost to replace Ball joints/Control arm? Where to go?
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!
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!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
W220
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!
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!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
W220
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 2
From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
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
i got all of mine changed for about 1200 or 1300
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
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.
Sounds great now! The noise is completely gone, the ride is very good too. Replaced the lower ball joints, and control arm bushings.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
S500 4matic 2004
Can you recommend a good indie that can work on my s500 4matic in the Queens area?
Wondering if you can recommend a good indie that’s reasonable in price and knows w220s well.
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
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...
