W126 lower ball joint - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LandYaghtLover · #1 06-04-2011, 04:51 PM

Well its clear from the reading a special press is needed it seems. At $530 for one, I am not too keen on using it just to do two joints. A local Euro shope quoted me $150.... per side! No thank you, not when I am brining the knuckles to them cutting out the need to remove them for me.

So does anyone in the Green Bay, WI area have a press or know of a shop that will charge a reasonable rate? Willing to drive a couple hours to get a press or maybe bring the knuckles with me and get them done.

Figures these would be a pain!

amosfella · #2 06-04-2011, 08:59 PM

A horid freight press with a jack should do the trick. Just use a piece of pipe and the small cylinder pressing tool...

LandYaghtLover · #3 06-05-2011, 02:19 PM

You sure? I red that jack was a no go in a few threads.

Gilly · #4 06-05-2011, 03:39 PM

I know Zimbrick has one in Madison, no idea what they'd charge if you brought in the knuckles. The service manager when i was there was Greg Thomson, if you want to call and ask him.

amosfella · #5 06-05-2011, 04:49 PM

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html
Something like that. Or like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-ball-joint-u-joint-c-frame-press-service-kit-38335.html
Never did ball joints on a 126... I just bought the whole lower control arm assembly...

LandYaghtLover · #6 06-05-2011, 06:28 PM

The 126 lower control arm does not contain the ball joint. It's in the knuckle at an angle, hence the need for a special press with adapters.

jimandsuzy · #7 06-05-2011, 09:47 PM

I used the harbor fright 20 ton press (friend's) on my 126 and it was easy.

Gilly · #8 06-06-2011, 07:46 AM

How did you get the press to press down on the joint? The steering knuckle sort of curves over the top of the ball joint.

Hit Man X · #9 06-06-2011, 08:20 AM

I have the real press if you want to rent it. Makes installation a breeze... I wish I knew of an easy way to REMOVE the old lower ball joint.

LandYaghtLover · #10 06-06-2011, 01:53 PM

Well I think I found a euro shop. $80 for both installed. Even if they charge more for some reason, I will pay it. Heck, if they do it for $80 I will tip em anyway!

Hit Man, where are you located? I would love to rent the press from you, but not sure if shipping, etc would be worth it both ways. But at least I know I could do it for sure and I also would have a lot less down time with the Benz. I HATE driving the VW Beetle.

Gilly · #11 06-06-2011, 04:04 PM

Hey there is also a forum here about loaning/renting tools, looks like "Billybob" rents it for $50, just not sure how the shipping works.

Did you find a place near GB that has it?

Here is a link to the forum here:
Tool Rental Master Member List

Gilly · #12 06-06-2011, 04:07 PM

Once the ball joint is out, it's easy to install using a few different methods, it's the removal that is trickier.

LandYaghtLover · #13 06-06-2011, 04:41 PM

I think a drill, Dremel and sawzall would help in removal

LandYaghtLover · #14 06-06-2011, 04:42 PM

And Billybob is banned.

Gilly · #15 06-06-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

I think a drill, Dremel and sawzall would help in removal

Thanks for the info on Billybob, the tool loan program should probably reflect this.
As far as removal, yes you are limited only by your own imagination and the laws in your municipality (Red Green quote)