Whats the risk. Almost all of my boots are cracked on my sd and the lower ( i think thats it) drivers side ball joint (the big one at the spindle) looks pretty far gone. There is also a knocking noise when I hit even small bumps in the road (which i think is that ball joint). I plan to replace them, but they are not my priority right now. Whats the worst that can happen? The neck of the ball joint snaps off? Or i just get more and more play in my steering.





I ordered the ball joint on my last parts order but Id like to do all the bushings and everything while im at it. Anyone actually have a ball joint failure? Sounds scary

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

I think they'll just start making noise, and the alignment cannot be adjusted within MB spec.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

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That has been known to happen. Keeping the joints well lubricated would be a good thing.

Eventually they will fail, and they are permanently lubed/sealed. If the boots tear, you can prolong them by spraying grease in.
As mentioned, they creak, and after awhile, you can't get a good alignment.

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83 SD

84 CD

Replace them. Your life and car are worth more than the $50 for the joints and the related labour to install them.

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1987 VW Jetta Mk II - Daily Driver
1992 W201 2.3 - sold
1985 W126 380se - sold
1985 W123 OM617.952 - sold
1981 W123 OM617.912 - sold
1986 W201 2.3 - sold
1979 W123 OM 617.912 - sold

you'd be amazed by how expensive suspension parts on a w126 are, especially compared to a 123.

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

I just had a lower ball joint replaced on my 123 for $100. It should be no more difficult on a 126, good luck.

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83 SD

84 CD

The ball joints go bad with a clacking sound when going over bumps. Or more of a "tok tok tok" sound, rather. That's the ball moving about in its housing. I wouldn't worry much about it if it just started making that noise.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

^^^^^
I would crap my pants too if the wheel spindle came off the ball joint. I just saw a mid '80s Tbird at a parking lot where it has lost a lower ball joint. The wheel was flipped up like the Delorean in Back to the Future II

I have just sunk about $700 into the front suspension of the SDL, more if you count the new tires and shocks. It was well worth it for the ride and handling (rides like a limo corners like a BMW) If we only need to go through the pain every 20 years or so I can handle it

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"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
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'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
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'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
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'57 Nomad

It would not surprise me if 45% or more of all cars on the road have worn out ball joints.

I know a lady with a 2001 BMW that already had them worn out.

Jack up each front tire.

Put one hand on top and one hand on the bottom and try to rock it. Do the same from side to side.
If it's really loose and you get a lot of movement don't drive it anymore.
If it's stiff and movement is minimul and your sure the joint is ok for now then drive it but plan on fixing it soon.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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* Serious vehicle damage
* Loss of steering
* Spin out in traffic
* Roll over at speed
* DEATH, yours or theirs




Please don't risk other peoples lives.

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

https://www.boldegoist.com/

I would make a plan to change them.
I just did the whole front end of my car, cost in parts was high, the lower BJ was only about $20. A local shop pressed them in for another $20. So $100 and a weekend. figure 300 if you want to do the top ones also.
Mine had been this way for a long time, and when I removed them, other than a torn boot they were not too bad.
In my opinion it is something that you should do, but you have time to schedule it. Sure that is where the sound was coming from? and not the guide rod mount

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83 300SD Dark Silver Dark brown inside

In my experience, balljoints squeak, not rattle.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.