Lower Control Arm Installation
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
Lower Control Arm Installation
My thrust bushings are worn on my CLS55. I got a price of $425 from the dealer for a "bushing kit" and labor. This would ultimately still leave me with a used ball joint. I am leaning towards the aftermarket where I can buy a new lower control arm with the bushing already pressed in and a new ball joint for around $125 a side.
How difficult is this install? I imagine it is much easier than having to press in a new bushing.
Thanks.
How difficult is this install? I imagine it is much easier than having to press in a new bushing.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
E552004
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
2004 E55 AMG; 1991 Previa
My thrust bushings are worn on my CLS55. I got a price of $425 from the dealer for a "bushing kit" and labor. This would ultimately still leave me with a used ball joint. I am leaning towards the aftermarket where I can buy a new lower control arm with the bushing already pressed in and a new ball joint for around $125 a side.
How difficult is this install? I imagine it is much easier than having to press in a new bushing.
Thanks.
How difficult is this install? I imagine it is much easier than having to press in a new bushing.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica
2005 e55
install is actually pretty easy.
1.Take out bolt where the thrust arm bushing is( don't forget to buy the eccentric replacement bolts)
2. loosen or take off the ball joint nut..
3. let arm hang
4. get baby sledge and whack the back of the control arm(where thrust bushing is) towards the ball joint. remember hit the arm not the bushing. it will fall right out. it may take a few whacks.. or use ball joint separator or air hammer with pickle fork.
I personally do it the sledge hammer way and takes 20 min a side on a lift..
1.Take out bolt where the thrust arm bushing is( don't forget to buy the eccentric replacement bolts)
2. loosen or take off the ball joint nut..
3. let arm hang
4. get baby sledge and whack the back of the control arm(where thrust bushing is) towards the ball joint. remember hit the arm not the bushing. it will fall right out. it may take a few whacks.. or use ball joint separator or air hammer with pickle fork.
I personally do it the sledge hammer way and takes 20 min a side on a lift..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
You can rent the tools to remove the LCA/thrust arms at your local auto parts store or purchase one on ebay.
Use an impact wrench w/proper socket size to loosen the LCA and reinstall new one. And get alignment afterwards.
Use an impact wrench w/proper socket size to loosen the LCA and reinstall new one. And get alignment afterwards.
