I decided to tackle my front ball joints today as they have been squeeking for quite some time. anyways, I followed the instuctions on this link: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...oint-w211.html


the problem I am having is removing the old ball joints. they seem to really be stuck in there I was wondering if anyone else has this issue or was the press relatively easy to use? I don't want to break anything and it seems like I have to use alot of force to press the old ball joints out. any tips? I already broke it loose from the knuckle.

 

I had to use a breaker bar to remove and it was still tight-and I'm not a weak person.

 

Thanks bro. Yea i used a breaker bar as well and that sucker still doesn't want to budge. I think i might try to borrow some impact tools to get it off.

 

As long you you are using a professional grade ball joint seperator removing it does seem like you are about to brake it but just when you think the tool is going to give BAM!! and it is violent, the bal joint pops out. Removing them was realtively easy compared to pressing them back in. get a LONG braker bar and then steel piping to use and an extension, you'll need it!

 

Understatement right there. BAM!!!!!!!

The kit I used was purchased from Harbor Freight, worked great. I used the handle from my aluminum floor jack as the breaker.

 

Haha okay that makes me feel better about tackling this again. The seperator I'm using is the rental from autozone. Gonna go for impact tools for sure to make life easier

 

Which tool kit was it? model number?

 

Was it this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-wh...-kit-4065.html

Or this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-...kit-38335.html

 

38335 is what I used, have to get it on there just right considering the amount of torque required, use a 20% coupon for savings

 

Well I finally got them out!! It took me and my buddy two big *** cheater bars to remove the passenger side, the driver side was much easier to remove. You guys weren't joking that thing OS like a 12 gauge going off!! Haha thanks for the help guys

 

Would someone be able to buy this kit for me and send it to me in Australia?

Harbor Freight dont deem to send out of the country.

edit: just emailed them and waiting for a reply.

 

cost of the parts ??

 

Lower ball joints were $46 x 2 from autohausaz.com, rented the ball joint press for free from autozone, and had to buy the ball joint separator from winchester auto for $79. In the end though it was about 1/5 the cost a local dealership quoted me.

 

thank you sir.
did you buy the PEX (o.e.) or the Meyle (heavy duty?)

 

was squeaking your only symptoms?

 

^^^
for me, yes

 

I went with the Meyle Heavy duty ones, they're working very well so far. as far as symptoms, squeeking all the time and the ride was beginning to get a bit choppy. it definately felt a lot smoother with the new ball joints, the old ones were completely shot.