if one were to try and replace front lower ball joints on a 300 td and didn't want to buy 'official press' (aka expensive $350.00) tool what avenues could be taken... i know i know sometimes you definitely just need the correct tool. but is there a work around in this instance..? ie cheaper press with adapters or holding my breath just so...etc....
just wondering =)

will

We've had some good threads on ball joint replacements. Do a search(with the "Search" button above). Some of us have come up with some good alternative ways to do the job.
Good luck with your project.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

i bought one of the ball joint presses from harbor freight, about
$25 on sale. using jackstands, various pieces of metal as adapters it worked fine. ball joints are safe work but take much muscle. sledge to get the old one out.

don

I just did my lower ball joints on my car last week. I rented a balljoint press kit from Auto Zone which worked fine. Cost: free.
Don't buy a press. You'll only use it once in your lifetime unless your a professional tech.

__________________
Orland Park, IL
1985 300SD 215,000 miles

Understatement of the year
Clarification:
BIG sledge, hit hard , repeat as needed.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

I'll say!...

__________________
1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick

i feel as if i've got the best support group ever..thank you so much for the imput and suggestions from this and others threads that i have been reading over the past 2 months. things are not nearly as scarey working on my car ..this forum is THE WAY
sorry for sentimentality..but information gleaned from this forum is wonderful

thanks again
will

I did it on my 81 SD and 86 SE with a Harbor Frieght 12 ton H press,I used a discarded upper control arm and an array of steel and wooden blocks on the second car on the first one I welded up a tool ,they both worked but would say the operation was fun but anything from safe.This photo I'm using home made tool..........
William Rogers

Attached Thumbnails

 

Another view using the upper control arm to press out the ball joint ,note short piece of steel pipe under ball joint to allow it to come clear out.They were rusted in and when they popped you did not want any body parts in their way.I also used the control arm to press the new ones back in much eaiser than punching them out..........
William Rogers

Attached Thumbnails

 

I haven't done ball joints on MB's but I've done a number on other cars. An old independent mechanic showed me a trick to get ball joints apart. Pry on the pieces with along pry bar (6 ft or so). This usually requires a couple of pieces of wood and a solid piece of frame to push against. Under the frame, over the joint, then have a hefty wench stand on the end. Strike the side of the fitting with a small sledge. I don't think it has ever taken more than 3 or 4 blows.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I broke a few welds on the 12ton press trying to remove it!! I rewelded the beam up and got back to it, it got it loose but at this point I had oil everywhere and it kept sliding around. In a rage of madness I stuck it in the vice and mauled it with the minisledge, it started moving. So I got out the full blown sledge and thanked it for being so cooperative. I used the tool from Auto Zone as well as the 3/4" drive 900ft/lb impact wrench, it almost didn't have enough to bring the new one into place. With enough time it made it though.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Funny you should mention this, I just did the last one yesterday with the Autozone free loaner tool. Actual pressing took about 2mins, setup 3mins.

Here's pics:









Cake once you get the old b**tard out!

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 4-speed manual conversion, mid-level resto

1983 300D - parts car

1979 300TD Auto - Parts car.

1985 300D Auto - Wrecked/Parts.


=========================

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there". Lewis Carrol

Here's the thread on my ball joint project and the home made presser-inner my brother and I made:
Ball joints done!
Kinda similar to Williams.

__________________
past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

Mine were easy. Soak with penetrating oil for a few days, mini sledge for removal, rented the correct press from PP for $100 for install, equally easy. The correct press is unbelieveably overbuilt and it works like a charm. RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

Well I believe I finally got that page finished up last night.
http://207.210.95.34/~boostd/FrontSuspension/balljoint

That press from autozone was quite overbuilt, it didn't fret my 3/4" drive impact wrench!

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k