Replace whole control arm or just ball joint/bushing
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2022
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Replace whole control arm or just ball joint/bushing
Hello.
2012 S550 148K KM
Front lower rearward control arms need to be replaced. Diagnositc is that the ball joints' bushings are done.
Should I replace the whole control arm with ball joint (Rock Auto?) or purchase ball joint bushings from Mercedes and replace only those? Does Mercedes even sell these bushings separately?
2012 S550 148K KM
Front lower rearward control arms need to be replaced. Diagnositc is that the ball joints' bushings are done.
Should I replace the whole control arm with ball joint (Rock Auto?) or purchase ball joint bushings from Mercedes and replace only those? Does Mercedes even sell these bushings separately?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
I replaced the whole control arm on my S600. On my Chrysler 300 SRT8, I was able to buy two ball joints and was lucky enough to find a technician with a ball joint press because it took hell to get the new ball joints pressed into that SRT8 knuckle. But once they were installed on both sides, my Chrysler felt so tight just like when it was new.
The W221 is very heavy and puts heavy wear on the front control arms especially the lowers. Once replaced, it will drive much better. When you really want to improve your W221, consider the whole front suspension component kit from FCP Euro. It cost around $800 for the parts (six control arms upper and lower), but after install I was super pleased.
The W221 is very heavy and puts heavy wear on the front control arms especially the lowers. Once replaced, it will drive much better. When you really want to improve your W221, consider the whole front suspension component kit from FCP Euro. It cost around $800 for the parts (six control arms upper and lower), but after install I was super pleased.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
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I replaced the whole control arm on my S600. On my Chrysler 300 SRT8, I was able to buy two ball joints and was lucky enough to find a technician with a ball joint press because it took hell to get the new ball joints pressed into that SRT8 knuckle. But once they were installed on both sides, my Chrysler felt so tight just like when it was new.
The W221 is very heavy and puts heavy wear on the front control arms especially the lowers. Once replaced, it will drive much better. When you really want to improve your W221, consider the whole front suspension component kit from FCP Euro. It cost around $800 for the parts (six control arms upper and lower), but after install I was super pleased.
The W221 is very heavy and puts heavy wear on the front control arms especially the lowers. Once replaced, it will drive much better. When you really want to improve your W221, consider the whole front suspension component kit from FCP Euro. It cost around $800 for the parts (six control arms upper and lower), but after install I was super pleased.
I have ordered lower control arms (front rearward) and sway bar links. Both front and right. These were identified by mechanic as needing replacement. Are you recommending proactively changing the rest of the "control arms" too?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
Depends on mileage. I usually replace all front end suspension components about every 50K miles on my S600. If you have more than 50K miles on these components, I would bite the bullet and swap them out. A well maintained W221 is the finest motorcar in the World.
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Joined: Oct 2021
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From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
Hello.
2012 S550 148K KM
Front lower rearward control arms need to be replaced. Diagnositc is that the ball joints' bushings are done.
Should I replace the whole control arm with ball joint (Rock Auto?) or purchase ball joint bushings from Mercedes and replace only those? Does Mercedes even sell these bushings separately?
2012 S550 148K KM
Front lower rearward control arms need to be replaced. Diagnositc is that the ball joints' bushings are done.
Should I replace the whole control arm with ball joint (Rock Auto?) or purchase ball joint bushings from Mercedes and replace only those? Does Mercedes even sell these bushings separately?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
So what do I need to buy? I will be buying from RockAuto, and they don't sell packages. Everything is sold individually.
I already have bought both front lower rearward control arms, and both front sway bar links. I have also bought 4 bolts (kits) to use if needed when doing alignment.
What else?
Thanks
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
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Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: May 2023
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From: California
2019 Mercedes S560
I had to do both front control arms and air struts at about 120k miles- Used FCP Euro and it worked out great.
I remember seeing somewhere on the internet that you could do just the ball joint- but for peach of mind and ease since I did the work myself I just got all new parts for the control arms and bushings etc.
Good luck!
I remember seeing somewhere on the internet that you could do just the ball joint- but for peach of mind and ease since I did the work myself I just got all new parts for the control arms and bushings etc.
Good luck!
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Joined: Aug 2021
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
I'm sourcing bushings and tools to just replace bushings and ball joints. Nothing wrong with the metal components, just the aged-out rubber. To me it's such a waste to bin the old stuff when all that needs to be replaced is some rubber bits.
Last edited by Senecat; Jul 26, 2025 at 10:03 AM.
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Please share your findings... thanks.
