Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH
I bought a 4 lb hammer at Lowes today. Later, I had a few spare minutes so I securely clamped the inverted knuckle (ala spindle) in my big vice and gave it a few whacks using a big socket as a drift. I wasn't swinging very hard but the ball joint started coming out after just a few whacks. I had sprayed some PB Blaster on it a couple days ago but I think the firm vice grip and the bigger hammer did most of the magic. It came out a lot easier than I expected. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH
Good job! On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 3:06 AM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I bought a 4 lb hammer at Lowes today. Later, I had a few spare minutes so I securely clamped the inverted knuckle (ala spindle) in my big vice and gave it a few whacks using a big socket as a drift. I wasn't swinging very hard but the ball joint started coming out after just a few whacks. I had sprayed some PB Blaster on it a couple days ago but I think the firm vice grip and the bigger hammer did most of the magic. It came out a lot easier than I expected. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH
'Nother ATTABOY! Wilton - Original Message - From: Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 3:06 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH I bought a 4 lb hammer at Lowes today. Later, I had a few spare minutes so I securely clamped the inverted knuckle (ala spindle) in my big vice and gave it a few whacks using a big socket as a drift. I wasn't swinging very hard but the ball joint started coming out after just a few whacks. I had sprayed some PB Blaster on it a couple days ago but I think the firm vice grip and the bigger hammer did most of the magic. It came out a lot easier than I expected. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH
Ye of little faith! Is this not what I said to do? YES --R (If in doubt, get a bigger hammer) On 11/15/13 3:06 AM, Scott Ritchey wrote: I bought a 4 lb hammer at Lowes today. Later, I had a few spare minutes so I securely clamped the inverted knuckle (ala spindle) in my big vice and gave it a few whacks using a big socket as a drift. I wasn't swinging very hard but the ball joint started coming out after just a few whacks. I had sprayed some PB Blaster on it a couple days ago but I think the firm vice grip and the bigger hammer did most of the magic. It came out a lot easier than I expected. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints - BFH
I bought a 4 lb hammer ... the bigger hammer did most of the magic. Ah, the magic of the BFH. Do not neglect the B part, it's important! -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I made a tool for the `123 chassis. It might work on a 126. it was cut from 3/4 plate with one of those fancy wire machines, then welded together. It's available to anybody who wants it. It's heavy ( no chit ) and requres a bottle jack to complete the assembly.. but it's in Salisbury NC for those interested. On Wednesday, November 13, 2013 11:14 PM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I've seen photos of that Benz tool and it looks pretty slick. There is a Sir Tools clone (which is reported to work) for about $250+tax+$hipping and better copies (allegedly) for hundred(s) more. So I decided to get an SW Shield instead. If the $100 tool does the job, I'll be happy. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 5:36 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Interesting. The Benz tool is like a clamp sort of thing with a screw on to press down on the BJ (I think the fairing around the part that goes in the knuckle -- it fits over the stud) at the proper angle. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
How about some photos and maybe measurements? Randy On 14/11/2013 6:08 AM, Richard Hattaway wrote: I made a tool for the `123 chassis. It might work on a 126. it was cut from 3/4 plate with one of those fancy wire machines, then welded together. It's available to anybody who wants it. It's heavy ( no chit ) and requres a bottle jack to complete the assembly.. but it's in Salisbury NC for those interested. On Wednesday, November 13, 2013 11:14 PM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I've seen photos of that Benz tool and it looks pretty slick. There is a Sir Tools clone (which is reported to work) for about $250+tax+$hipping and better copies (allegedly) for hundred(s) more. So I decided to get an SW Shield instead. If the $100 tool does the job, I'll be happy. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 5:36 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Interesting. The Benz tool is like a clamp sort of thing with a screw on to press down on the BJ (I think the fairing around the part that goes in the knuckle -- it fits over the stud) at the proper angle. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I'll see if I can dig them up. It was basically a fork, round to fit round the boot, fingers of 3/4 material, long enough to begin to interfere with whatever is back there on the knuckle, and that fork plate was welded to a pair of vertical plates down to a base plate. All very thick steel. The distance was adequate to fit in my bottle jack so I could press the ball joint out. I also found that if you could put up with the smoke, a blue tipped wrench placed in the middle of the back of the cup and allowed to just sit there and make things molten usually resulted in a joint that could be popped out with a ball pien hammer. Don't slip and get into the knuckle though. They really really laugh at you down at the junk yard when you drag in with your tail between your legs and a knuckle with a big gash in it. It melts fast. (c: On Thursday, November 14, 2013 12:24 PM, Randy Bennell rbenn...@bennell.ca wrote: How about some photos and maybe measurements? Randy On 14/11/2013 6:08 AM, Richard Hattaway wrote: I made a tool for the `123 chassis. It might work on a 126. it was cut from 3/4 plate with one of those fancy wire machines, then welded together. It's available to anybody who wants it. It's heavy ( no chit ) and requres a bottle jack to complete the assembly.. but it's in Salisbury NC for those interested. On Wednesday, November 13, 2013 11:14 PM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I've seen photos of that Benz tool and it looks pretty slick. There is a Sir Tools clone (which is reported to work) for about $250+tax+$hipping and better copies (allegedly) for hundred(s) more. So I decided to get an SW Shield instead. If the $100 tool does the job, I'll be happy. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 5:36 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Interesting. The Benz tool is like a clamp sort of thing with a screw on to press down on the BJ (I think the fairing around the part that goes in the knuckle -- it fits over the stud) at the proper angle. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
we have a specialist here in the Richmond Va area that specializes in frame and alignment work. They do great work and are realistically priced to boot.. Look for a similar speciality and they as usually very skilled at suspension work... They did a ball joint on our 78 240D for $65 incl parts IIRC,.. LarryT 91 300D On 11/10/2013 8:35 AM, Mitchell Haley, EA wrote: On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. ...if you can find such a place. I'm reminded of the time I replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings on my Horizon. It was one of three times in a row I farmed out a job to a 'specialist' because a factory service manual called for a tool I didn't have, and the specialist buggered it up far worse than I would have if I'd just done it myself. No car I own has seen a service facility for anything except tires ever since. In the case of the suspension job, I had stamped control arms which were in the shape of a U channel where the bushings were pressed in. There was a factory tool that you stuck in the U before pressing so it would still be a U and not a V after the pressing. Looking back on it, I could have made a spacer out of pipe to hold the U open in less time than it took to drive the control arms to the suspension shop, where they pressed the bushings without supporting the Us and squished them, then said 'there's nothing wrong with that' when I complained. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
At this point, I plan to do one side at a time and use the $99 tool from eBay (and a press) to install the new ball joint. The left side is all disassembled (knuckle/spindle removed) and I'm waiting on new BJs form Hursty. There is a small nearby auto shop with a press and I plan to go there with my tool and parts to press in the new joints; they were quite reasonable when I had them straighten some tractor parts. This car (300SD) is seldom driven these days because my wife recently had a hip replacement and she can get into and out of the Outback (seat much higher off ground) than the SD (which has a pretty low seat). So waiting weeks to get it fixed is not a problem. I could have fixed the original problem (stuck brake caliper) the same day but I noticed the torn BJ boots and decided to do them while I had the caliper off. I like to do one side at a time (especially when the job takes several days) so I have a sample to help remember how to reassemble. I'm old and forgetful. The weather here (NC) got suddenly very cold so I don't mind waiting while it warms up again to finish the job. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Larry T Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 12:03 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints we have a specialist here in the Richmond Va area that specializes in frame and alignment work. They do great work and are realistically priced to boot.. Look for a similar speciality and they as usually very skilled at suspension work... They did a ball joint on our 78 240D for $65 incl parts IIRC,.. LarryT 91 300D On 11/10/2013 8:35 AM, Mitchell Haley, EA wrote: On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. ...if you can find such a place. I'm reminded of the time I replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings on my Horizon. It was one of three times in a row I farmed out a job to a 'specialist' because a factory service manual called for a tool I didn't have, and the specialist buggered it up far worse than I would have if I'd just done it myself. No car I own has seen a service facility for anything except tires ever since. In the case of the suspension job, I had stamped control arms which were in the shape of a U channel where the bushings were pressed in. There was a factory tool that you stuck in the U before pressing so it would still be a U and not a V after the pressing. Looking back on it, I could have made a spacer out of pipe to hold the U open in less time than it took to drive the control arms to the suspension shop, where they pressed the bushings without supporting the Us and squished them, then said 'there's nothing wrong with that' when I complained. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I don't know what tool you are getting, but all the wisdom I have gathered says that using the Benz BJ press is really about the only thing that will work well. Where are you located? There must be an indy Benz shop somewhere half-reasonable to get to that would have the press. It costs like $600 or something ridiculous, but has the proper angle and orientation or something. Back when I had the TD BJs pressed in at an indy, the guy told me they had broken one using some crap BJs and that Lemforders were the only way to go. --R On 11/13/13 1:02 PM, Scott Ritchey wrote: At this point, I plan to do one side at a time and use the $99 tool from eBay (and a press) to install the new ball joint. The left side is all disassembled (knuckle/spindle removed) and I'm waiting on new BJs form Hursty. There is a small nearby auto shop with a press and I plan to go there with my tool and parts to press in the new joints; they were quite reasonable when I had them straighten some tractor parts. This car (300SD) is seldom driven these days because my wife recently had a hip replacement and she can get into and out of the Outback (seat much higher off ground) than the SD (which has a pretty low seat). So waiting weeks to get it fixed is not a problem. I could have fixed the original problem (stuck brake caliper) the same day but I noticed the torn BJ boots and decided to do them while I had the caliper off. I like to do one side at a time (especially when the job takes several days) so I have a sample to help remember how to reassemble. I'm old and forgetful. The weather here (NC) got suddenly very cold so I don't mind waiting while it warms up again to finish the job. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Larry T Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 12:03 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints we have a specialist here in the Richmond Va area that specializes in frame and alignment work. They do great work and are realistically priced to boot.. Look for a similar speciality and they as usually very skilled at suspension work... They did a ball joint on our 78 240D for $65 incl parts IIRC,.. LarryT 91 300D On 11/10/2013 8:35 AM, Mitchell Haley, EA wrote: On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. ...if you can find such a place. I'm reminded of the time I replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings on my Horizon. It was one of three times in a row I farmed out a job to a 'specialist' because a factory service manual called for a tool I didn't have, and the specialist buggered it up far worse than I would have if I'd just done it myself. No car I own has seen a service facility for anything except tires ever since. In the case of the suspension job, I had stamped control arms which were in the shape of a U channel where the bushings were pressed in. There was a factory tool that you stuck in the U before pressing so it would still be a U and not a V after the pressing. Looking back on it, I could have made a spacer out of pipe to hold the U open in less time than it took to drive the control arms to the suspension shop, where they pressed the bushings without supporting the Us and squished them, then said 'there's nothing wrong with that' when I complained. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
This is the thing I ordered (still in transit): http://tinyurl.com/p5mjfrj According to some folks on peachparts it worked well. Looking at the photo, the small thing at the bottom is a drift for driving out the old ball joint. I'm not sure about the cylinder at the right edge, maybe it's for some other application or maybe it is a spacer for under the knuckle to insure the new BJ doesn't bottom out against the press. The big pipe-looking thing is the main tool. The bottom end pushes down against the top of the ball joint (allegedly without damaging the boot) and the top end goes up to the press. The tube is cut out for the long vertical curved part of the knuckle. I guess I'm just a tool geek. I'll report back the results here. I'm located in (very) rural NC about 35 mi north of Raleigh between Franklinton and Henderson. The nearest post office is Kittrell. I have heard (from Wilton) that there is a good MBZ indy on the north side of Raleigh and that's my backup plan. Ball joints are cheap enough that I'm willing to risk destroying one (or two). Besides the car is up on jack stands with the right front suspension dismantled so it isn't going anywhere until I put it back together. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 1:41 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints I don't know what tool you are getting, but all the wisdom I have gathered says that using the Benz BJ press is really about the only thing that will work well. Where are you located? There must be an indy Benz shop somewhere half-reasonable to get to that would have the press. It costs like $600 or something ridiculous, but has the proper angle and orientation or something. Back when I had the TD BJs pressed in at an indy, the guy told me they had broken one using some crap BJs and that Lemforders were the only way to go. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Interesting. The Benz tool is like a clamp sort of thing with a screw on to press down on the BJ (I think the fairing around the part that goes in the knuckle -- it fits over the stud) at the proper angle. --R On 11/13/13 5:27 PM, Scott Ritchey wrote: This is the thing I ordered (still in transit): http://tinyurl.com/p5mjfrj According to some folks on peachparts it worked well. Looking at the photo, the small thing at the bottom is a drift for driving out the old ball joint. I'm not sure about the cylinder at the right edge, maybe it's for some other application or maybe it is a spacer for under the knuckle to insure the new BJ doesn't bottom out against the press. The big pipe-looking thing is the main tool. The bottom end pushes down against the top of the ball joint (allegedly without damaging the boot) and the top end goes up to the press. The tube is cut out for the long vertical curved part of the knuckle. I guess I'm just a tool geek. I'll report back the results here. I'm located in (very) rural NC about 35 mi north of Raleigh between Franklinton and Henderson. The nearest post office is Kittrell. I have heard (from Wilton) that there is a good MBZ indy on the north side of Raleigh and that's my backup plan. Ball joints are cheap enough that I'm willing to risk destroying one (or two). Besides the car is up on jack stands with the right front suspension dismantled so it isn't going anywhere until I put it back together. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 1:41 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints I don't know what tool you are getting, but all the wisdom I have gathered says that using the Benz BJ press is really about the only thing that will work well. Where are you located? There must be an indy Benz shop somewhere half-reasonable to get to that would have the press. It costs like $600 or something ridiculous, but has the proper angle and orientation or something. Back when I had the TD BJs pressed in at an indy, the guy told me they had broken one using some crap BJs and that Lemforders were the only way to go. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I've seen photos of that Benz tool and it looks pretty slick. There is a Sir Tools clone (which is reported to work) for about $250+tax+$hipping and better copies (allegedly) for hundred(s) more. So I decided to get an SW Shield instead. If the $100 tool does the job, I'll be happy. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Rich Thomas Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 5:36 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Interesting. The Benz tool is like a clamp sort of thing with a screw on to press down on the BJ (I think the fairing around the part that goes in the knuckle -- it fits over the stud) at the proper angle. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Some FLAPS will loan tools like the BJ press - often for free if you buy at least some parts from them.they usually get a deposit equal to the cost of the tool in case you want to keep it ;-) around here, Advance Auto and AutoZone both loan tools.. As other mentioned, getting the BJ out with a BFH will work if you find a way to hold it when you whack it. OTOH, putting the new one in requires a little more finis and less BFH as you probably don't want to damage the BJ when installing it You should also have the front end alignment checked afterward so you might be able to get a local shop to press the BJ in for you if you tell him you want him to do the FE alignment when you get it back together. Good luck - Gee, i wish I had ony mechanical problems and never electrical ones - the mechanical stuff seems so straight forward... LarryT 91 300D 78 240D On 11/9/2013 6:04 PM, Peter Frederick wrote: A big vise and a 6 lb hammer should get them out just fine, but getting a new on in is a huge pain. I bought a cheap ball joint press and it failed on the first attempt. I bought a $200 one, and it works well enough that my brother does the job for our local retired independent MB guy. If you can find someone local that actually does them, it's worth the cost to get them right -- any deviation from straight into that offset hole results in a ruined (or stuck crooked) joint. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Scott, as others have said, put the knuckle in a vice and use a big sledge hammer. An experienced MB tech showed me the technique. The first hits should be directly on the bottom of the ball joint. It sticks out from the bottom of the knuckle just enough that you can get some movement out of it. Once it moves a bit, then you need something in between your hammer and the joint. Its best to use something on the softer side, since something that is too hard and brittle may shatter or crack on impact between the hard hammer and joint. Don't be afraid of marking up the knuckle in the vice... a little bit isn't going to hurt it. As for installing, I have the correct press. I think its the sit tools model, but I can check if you need to be sure. But it looks exactly like the sir tools press. You mount it in a vice. It works very well, I've done several cars with it. I recommend it. Good luck, Jaime On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 11:20 PM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: Thanks guys for the input. Removing the tapered studs went OK. I have the tools to press them without damaging the studs or nuts. The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and that's where I'm stuck. I have a big vice that has rough jaws that will chew up the knuckle so I was hesitant to really bite into the knuckle with the vice. But I guess that's what's required. The local shop probably has little MBZ experience. I'll make some calls next week but the closest real MBZ place is probably Raleigh (a place Wilton recommended). I'm thinking about just buying the tool. Does anyone have a 123/126 press for sale or rent? Does anyone know if this tool is any good: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-To ol-/151162610357?pt=Motors_Automotive_Toolshash=item2331fe62b5vxp=mtr Does anyone know if the Sir Tools press is any good: http://www.autotoolworld.com/product.asp?itemid=172748gclid=CJ-qvICq2boCFWh o7AodwkEATA No rush on this job so I'm interested in any help. Thanks. Scott -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2013 6:05 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints A big vise and a 6 lb hammer should get them out just fine, but getting a new on in is a huge pain. I bought a cheap ball joint press and it failed on the first attempt. I bought a $200 one, and it works well enough that my brother does the job for our local retired independent MB guy. If you can find someone local that actually does them, it's worth the cost to get them right -- any deviation from straight into that offset hole results in a ruined (or stuck crooked) joint. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Jaime Kopchinski http://www.jaimekop.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. ...if you can find such a place. I'm reminded of the time I replaced the ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings on my Horizon. It was one of three times in a row I farmed out a job to a 'specialist' because a factory service manual called for a tool I didn't have, and the specialist buggered it up far worse than I would have if I'd just done it myself. No car I own has seen a service facility for anything except tires ever since. In the case of the suspension job, I had stamped control arms which were in the shape of a U channel where the bushings were pressed in. There was a factory tool that you stuck in the U before pressing so it would still be a U and not a V after the pressing. Looking back on it, I could have made a spacer out of pipe to hold the U open in less time than it took to drive the control arms to the suspension shop, where they pressed the bushings without supporting the Us and squished them, then said 'there's nothing wrong with that' when I complained. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
At 5:32 PM -0500 11/9/13, Scott Ritchey wrote: I tried some modest pounding with a 3 lb hammer to remove the old ball joint but so far it appears not to have moved. The main problem (I think) is holding the knuckle still while I try to drive the old BJ out. Does anyone have any advice here? Pickle fork is whatcha use to pop out ball joints. -MMM- ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Pickle fork won't do a thing for this application -- he's not trying to get the control arm off, he's trying to get the ball joint itself out of the steering knuckle. On the W126/W123, the ball joint is pressed into the knuckle, not the control arm. The control arm goes inside the knuckle to attach rather than being underneath. This was due to the desire to have zero/negative offset steering with two control arms. All later suspensions use modified McPhearson struts. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Okay, if Scott has a very heavy duty vice, a breakover handle, a cheater pipe that fits the breakover handle, and a local Autozone, he can try the cheapest way to remove it. Autozone loans the tool free. You pay new price and they refund when you bring it back. Don't know if 126s are similar to 123s, but I found that Autozones biggest ball joint remover would fit over the king pin balljoint(s?) in my 123. I chucked it in a big, heavy duty vice and used a piece of pipe over a breakover handle for more leverage. It took a good bit of strength , but suddenly there was a loud pop and it was out. Don't remember how new one was installed, but I didn't take it to a shop. Been about 100K miles with the car and everything is still tight. That was ten years ago, so description may not be exact. Gerry P.S. I let it soak in Rust Eater (Autozone), WD-40, Blaster, and 3 or 4 other potions over night before removing it, but I don't think that had much effect. P.S. #2 Might pay to call A-zone first to be sure they still loan tools. . From: Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net You want to have a Benz shop press in the new ones. Getting the old ones out involves a BFH and the knuckle on a vise or something that can take the pounding. A little PB might help, and the hot wrench, but mostly just the BFH. --R On 11/9/13 5:32 PM, Scott Ritchey wrote: What started out as a brake job has grown to include replacing the lower ball joints as well (torn boots). I'm doing one side at a time and I've removed the knuckle from the left side so far. I tried some modest pounding with a 3 lb hammer to remove the old ball joint but so far it appears not to have moved. The main problem (I think) is holding the knuckle still while I try to drive the old BJ out. Does anyone have any advice here? My backup plan is to take the knuckle and the new ball joint to a local shop that has a press and see if they can do the job. I welcome the voice of experience from anyone who has done this job (or seen it done). Thanks, Scott ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4158 / Virus Database: 3629/6822 - Release Date: 11/09/13 ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
On Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:09:48 -0700 G Mann g2ma...@gmail.com wrote: This might be helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PjkfDp8mLE Note the downward force bar PLUS the BFH application This might also be helpful, since it's on a W126 Mercedes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6To8ymriN8 Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
What started out as a brake job has grown to include replacing the lower ball joints as well (torn boots). I'm doing one side at a time and I've removed the knuckle from the left side so far. I tried some modest pounding with a 3 lb hammer to remove the old ball joint but so far it appears not to have moved. The main problem (I think) is holding the knuckle still while I try to drive the old BJ out. Does anyone have any advice here? My backup plan is to take the knuckle and the new ball joint to a local shop that has a press and see if they can do the job. I welcome the voice of experience from anyone who has done this job (or seen it done). Thanks, Scott ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
You want to have a Benz shop press in the new ones. Getting the old ones out involves a BFH and the knuckle on a vise or something that can take the pounding. A little PB might help, and the hot wrench, but mostly just the BFH. --R On 11/9/13 5:32 PM, Scott Ritchey wrote: What started out as a brake job has grown to include replacing the lower ball joints as well (torn boots). I'm doing one side at a time and I've removed the knuckle from the left side so far. I tried some modest pounding with a 3 lb hammer to remove the old ball joint but so far it appears not to have moved. The main problem (I think) is holding the knuckle still while I try to drive the old BJ out. Does anyone have any advice here? My backup plan is to take the knuckle and the new ball joint to a local shop that has a press and see if they can do the job. I welcome the voice of experience from anyone who has done this job (or seen it done). Thanks, Scott ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
A big vise and a 6 lb hammer should get them out just fine, but getting a new on in is a huge pain. I bought a cheap ball joint press and it failed on the first attempt. I bought a $200 one, and it works well enough that my brother does the job for our local retired independent MB guy. If you can find someone local that actually does them, it's worth the cost to get them right -- any deviation from straight into that offset hole results in a ruined (or stuck crooked) joint. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I tried some modest pounding with a 3 lb hammer to remove the old ball joint but so far it appears not to have moved. The main problem (I think) is holding the knuckle still while I try to drive the old BJ out. Does anyone have any advice here? If these have tapered posts, the thing that seems to really work best is to hammer against the side of the socket with the BFH, while backing the other side with an anvil or another BFH. Applying force 90 degrees from the desired direction of motion of the shaft. YMMV. Not sure how this works on a 126, if at all, 'cause I've never done one. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
The ball joints go in from the top on the steering knuckle on a W126 (or a W123, same design). Takes a substantial hammer to drive them out, and a very narrow and short nosed press tool to push the new ones in. Low quality ball joint press tools will fail it you try to use them, and it is usually necessary to grind away part of the top end of the press --screw type -- to get it to seat on the joint to get a new one in. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Thanks guys for the input. Removing the tapered studs went OK. I have the tools to press them without damaging the studs or nuts. The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and that's where I'm stuck. I have a big vice that has rough jaws that will chew up the knuckle so I was hesitant to really bite into the knuckle with the vice. But I guess that's what's required. The local shop probably has little MBZ experience. I'll make some calls next week but the closest real MBZ place is probably Raleigh (a place Wilton recommended). I'm thinking about just buying the tool. Does anyone have a 123/126 press for sale or rent? Does anyone know if this tool is any good: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-To ol-/151162610357?pt=Motors_Automotive_Toolshash=item2331fe62b5vxp=mtr Does anyone know if the Sir Tools press is any good: http://www.autotoolworld.com/product.asp?itemid=172748gclid=CJ-qvICq2boCFWh o7AodwkEATA No rush on this job so I'm interested in any help. Thanks. Scott -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Peter Frederick Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2013 6:05 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints A big vise and a 6 lb hammer should get them out just fine, but getting a new on in is a huge pain. I bought a cheap ball joint press and it failed on the first attempt. I bought a $200 one, and it works well enough that my brother does the job for our local retired independent MB guy. If you can find someone local that actually does them, it's worth the cost to get them right -- any deviation from straight into that offset hole results in a ruined (or stuck crooked) joint. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and that's where I'm stuck. I have a big vice that has rough jaws that will chew up the knuckle so I was hesitant to really bite into the knuckle with the vice. But I guess that's what's required. For removal, chewing up the old one should be no problem. You don't want to do that with the new one. The local shop probably has little MBZ experience. I'll make some calls next week but the closest real MBZ place is probably Raleigh (a place Wilton recommended). I'm thinking about just buying the tool. If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. Does anyone have a 123/126 press for sale or rent? No, sorry. Does anyone know if this tool is any good: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-To ol-/151162610357?pt=Motors_Automotive_Toolshash=item2331fe62b5vxp=mtr No, sorry. Does anyone know if the Sir Tools press is any good: http://www.autotoolworld.com/product.asp?itemid=172748gclid=CJ-qvICq2boCFWh o7AodwkEATA Now this one I can comment about. Sir Tools may have a nice idea, but their execution is horrible. I bought one of their injector delivery valve tools (the ones with all the splines) and had to modify both the tool and the delivery valve holder to get it to work. In addition, the fit and finish of their tools is junk. I bought a Hazet tool from someone on the list (Loren?) and just used it to change the delivery valve seals on our '82 240D/3.0 with an M pump. Using it was a pleasure. Stay away from Sir Tools! Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Thanks for the input on Sir Tools. I don't mind paying a couple hundred bucks for the tool but I don't want to buy one that won't work. About the vice, the knuckle (the thing with the axle that goes back into the car) is the part that needs to go in the vice jaws. I don't suppose teeth marks will hurt it but it just seems tacky. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Craig Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2013 11:40 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and that's where I'm stuck. I have a big vice that has rough jaws that will chew up the knuckle so I was hesitant to really bite into the knuckle with the vice. But I guess that's what's required. For removal, chewing up the old one should be no problem. You don't want to do that with the new one. The local shop probably has little MBZ experience. I'll make some calls next week but the closest real MBZ place is probably Raleigh (a place Wilton recommended). I'm thinking about just buying the tool. If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. Does anyone have a 123/126 press for sale or rent? No, sorry. Does anyone know if this tool is any good: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-To ol-/151162610357?pt=Motors_Automotive_Toolshash=item2331fe62b5vxp=mtr No, sorry. Does anyone know if the Sir Tools press is any good: http://www.autotoolworld.com/product.asp?itemid=172748gclid=CJ-qvICq2boCFWh o7AodwkEATA Now this one I can comment about. Sir Tools may have a nice idea, but their execution is horrible. I bought one of their injector delivery valve tools (the ones with all the splines) and had to modify both the tool and the delivery valve holder to get it to work. In addition, the fit and finish of their tools is junk. I bought a Hazet tool from someone on the list (Loren?) and just used it to change the delivery valve seals on our '82 240D/3.0 with an M pump. Using it was a pleasure. Stay away from Sir Tools! Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
Others have said it already, but a BIG hammer can make a big difference. 5 lb is probably the minimum for suspension work because anything less will just about bounce off. ;^) On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Scott Ritchey wrote: Thanks for the input on Sir Tools. I don't mind paying a couple hundred bucks for the tool but I don't want to buy one that won't work. About the vice, the knuckle (the thing with the axle that goes back into the car) is the part that needs to go in the vice jaws. I don't suppose teeth marks will hurt it but it just seems tacky. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com javascript:;] On Behalf Of Craig Sent: Saturday, November 09, 2013 11:40 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints On Sat, 9 Nov 2013 23:20:13 -0500 Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.comjavascript:; wrote: The ball joint is pressed into the knuckle and that's where I'm stuck. I have a big vice that has rough jaws that will chew up the knuckle so I was hesitant to really bite into the knuckle with the vice. But I guess that's what's required. For removal, chewing up the old one should be no problem. You don't want to do that with the new one. The local shop probably has little MBZ experience. I'll make some calls next week but the closest real MBZ place is probably Raleigh (a place Wilton recommended). I'm thinking about just buying the tool. If you are not going to make a practice of installing ball joints, having it done by a place that knows what they are doing makes sense. Does anyone have a 123/126 press for sale or rent? No, sorry. Does anyone know if this tool is any good: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-To ol-/151162610357?pt=Motors_Automotive_Toolshash=item2331fe62b5vxp=mtr No, sorry. Does anyone know if the Sir Tools press is any good: http://www.autotoolworld.com/product.asp?itemid=172748gclid=CJ-qvICq2boCFWh o7AodwkEATA Now this one I can comment about. Sir Tools may have a nice idea, but their execution is horrible. I bought one of their injector delivery valve tools (the ones with all the splines) and had to modify both the tool and the delivery valve holder to get it to work. In addition, the fit and finish of their tools is junk. I bought a Hazet tool from someone on the list (Loren?) and just used it to change the delivery valve seals on our '82 240D/3.0 with an M pump. Using it was a pleasure. Stay away from Sir Tools! Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
I guess it's the old adage: Don't force it, get a bigger hammer. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Brian Toscano Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 12:40 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Others have said it already, but a BIG hammer can make a big difference. 5 lb is probably the minimum for suspension work because anything less will just about bounce off. ;^) On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Scott Ritchey wrote: ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
SSF sells hazet stuff, but they don't seem to show a ball joint press On Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 12:48 AM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I guess it's the old adage: Don't force it, get a bigger hammer. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Brian Toscano Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 12:40 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Others have said it already, but a BIG hammer can make a big difference. 5 lb is probably the minimum for suspension work because anything less will just about bounce off. ;^) On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Scott Ritchey wrote: ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- *reliable vendor of superior parts for mercedes and other european cars* *www.BuyEUROparts.com http://www.BuyEUROparts.com* ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints
This might be helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PjkfDp8mLE Note the downward force bar PLUS the BFH application On Sat, Nov 9, 2013 at 11:36 PM, Gary Hurst jabbahur...@gmail.com wrote: SSF sells hazet stuff, but they don't seem to show a ball joint press On Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 12:48 AM, Scott Ritchey ritche...@nc.rr.com wrote: I guess it's the old adage: Don't force it, get a bigger hammer. -Original Message- From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Brian Toscano Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 12:40 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 Lower Ball Joints Others have said it already, but a BIG hammer can make a big difference. 5 lb is probably the minimum for suspension work because anything less will just about bounce off. ;^) On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Scott Ritchey wrote: ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- *reliable vendor of superior parts for mercedes and other european cars* *www.BuyEUROparts.com http://www.BuyEUROparts.com* ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
Yeah, from what I remember, you cannot get a straight shot at the lower BJ with the rotor in place... Don't forget to check the BJ/bushing that lives in the big aluminum brackets at the back of the wheelhouses... Mine were good and tight... Split boots and rusted solid. Those are a PITA to get out... Hydraulic press may be required. -- John W Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Home: +14106646986 Mobile: +14437915905 On Apr 12, 2010, at 23:07, Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
Doesn't matter if the rotor is on or not, since the ball joint is on the other side. Makes it easier to handle the spindle with it off, though. Ditto for calipers... If you buy the Harbor Freight tool, grind the end opposite the screw to fit into the spindle above the joint, and weld some heavy stiffening plates to it, it works after to take the dust boot off the ball joint. The C is much too soft, and bends if not stiffened. Peter -Original Message- From: John Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Sent: Apr 13, 2010 5:02 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Cc: mercedes@okiebenz.com mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Yeah, from what I remember, you cannot get a straight shot at the lower BJ with the rotor in place... Don't forget to check the BJ/bushing that lives in the big aluminum brackets at the back of the wheelhouses... Mine were good and tight... Split boots and rusted solid. Those are a PITA to get out... Hydraulic press may be required. -- John W Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Home: +14106646986 Mobile: +14437915905 On Apr 12, 2010, at 23:07, Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
On Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:33:08 -0500 Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Anyone know of where I could rent this proper MB tool? Rusty? Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
The [HF] C is much too soft, and bends if not stiffened. I bent mine while using it. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
Peter, Do you have any pictures of the modified press? That would help to be able to duplicate it. I know the HF press is bendable, cause the bent o'reilley rental was the same thing. I put moderate pressure on it and then whacked the base with a hammer to seat the new joint. That way It didn't get sprung. I may be able to remove the spindles and then take them to a guy that has the tool. My HF press was only $32, because I used the 20% off one item coupon that someone was kind enough to send to the list. SO. If I grind and weld on it, I could get another for general use, if need be. Doesn't matter if the rotor is on or not, since the ball joint is on the other side. Makes it easier to handle the spindle with it off, though. Ditto for calipers... If you buy the Harbor Freight tool, grind the end opposite the screw to fit into the spindle above the joint, and weld some heavy stiffening plates to it, it works after to take the dust boot off the ball joint. The C is much too soft, and bends if not stiffened. Peter -Original Message- From: John Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Sent: Apr 13, 2010 5:02 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Cc: mercedes@okiebenz.com mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Yeah, from what I remember, you cannot get a straight shot at the lower BJ with the rotor in place... Don't forget to check the BJ/bushing that lives in the big aluminum brackets at the back of the wheelhouses... Mine were good and tight... Split boots and rusted solid. Those are a PITA to get out... Hydraulic press may be required. -- John W Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Home: +14106646986 Mobile: +14437915905 On Apr 12, 2010, at 23:07, Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
I'll get some in a day or two -- gonna be nuts here for the next couple days. Peter -Original Message- From: Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com Sent: Apr 13, 2010 9:38 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Peter, Do you have any pictures of the modified press? That would help to be able to duplicate it. I know the HF press is bendable, cause the bent o'reilley rental was the same thing. I put moderate pressure on it and then whacked the base with a hammer to seat the new joint. That way It didn't get sprung. I may be able to remove the spindles and then take them to a guy that has the tool. My HF press was only $32, because I used the 20% off one item coupon that someone was kind enough to send to the list. SO. If I grind and weld on it, I could get another for general use, if need be. Doesn't matter if the rotor is on or not, since the ball joint is on the other side. Makes it easier to handle the spindle with it off, though. Ditto for calipers... If you buy the Harbor Freight tool, grind the end opposite the screw to fit into the spindle above the joint, and weld some heavy stiffening plates to it, it works after to take the dust boot off the ball joint. The C is much too soft, and bends if not stiffened. Peter -Original Message- From: John Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Sent: Apr 13, 2010 5:02 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Cc: mercedes@okiebenz.com mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Yeah, from what I remember, you cannot get a straight shot at the lower BJ with the rotor in place... Don't forget to check the BJ/bushing that lives in the big aluminum brackets at the back of the wheelhouses... Mine were good and tight... Split boots and rusted solid. Those are a PITA to get out... Hydraulic press may be required. -- John W Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Home: +14106646986 Mobile: +14437915905 On Apr 12, 2010, at 23:07, Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
that is fine. No rush. I won't be starting for 2-3 weeks. I'll get some in a day or two -- gonna be nuts here for the next couple days. Peter -Original Message- From: Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com Sent: Apr 13, 2010 9:38 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Peter, Do you have any pictures of the modified press? That would help to be able to duplicate it. I know the HF press is bendable, cause the bent o'reilley rental was the same thing. I put moderate pressure on it and then whacked the base with a hammer to seat the new joint. That way It didn't get sprung. I may be able to remove the spindles and then take them to a guy that has the tool. My HF press was only $32, because I used the 20% off one item coupon that someone was kind enough to send to the list. SO. If I grind and weld on it, I could get another for general use, if need be. Doesn't matter if the rotor is on or not, since the ball joint is on the other side. Makes it easier to handle the spindle with it off, though. Ditto for calipers... If you buy the Harbor Freight tool, grind the end opposite the screw to fit into the spindle above the joint, and weld some heavy stiffening plates to it, it works after to take the dust boot off the ball joint. The C is much too soft, and bends if not stiffened. Peter -Original Message- From: John Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Sent: Apr 13, 2010 5:02 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Cc: mercedes@okiebenz.com mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Yeah, from what I remember, you cannot get a straight shot at the lower BJ with the rotor in place... Don't forget to check the BJ/bushing that lives in the big aluminum brackets at the back of the wheelhouses... Mine were good and tight... Split boots and rusted solid. Those are a PITA to get out... Hydraulic press may be required. -- John W Reames jwrea...@comcast.net Home: +14106646986 Mobile: +14437915905 On Apr 12, 2010, at 23:07, Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com wrote: Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
My brother and I just did this job for a friend this winter. Here's how it goes: First and foremost, you CANNOT use a simple ball joint press for this job. It MUST reach into the control arm to press straight down on the new joint. We modified the Harbor Freight tool by grinding off quite a bit of the upper end and welding some heavy plates on it to take the pressure (it bent). You will have to rent the correct MB tool or make/modify one to work. You cannot use a press for the same reason. Once you have a tool to re-install the new joints, take the spindle off, hold it in a vice, and use large drift (1 or so) and a sledge to drive the old ones out. Only takes a couple firm blows, and no other method will work (see above description). Press the new ones in and you are done. We had to remove the dust boot to use the modified harbor freight tool, I really don't like to. We may make a custom tool ourselves since we have access to the shop where my brother works if we need to do another set. If you cannot locate a tool, pay someone who does these properly to do the job, having a ball joint stuck most of the way in and cocked is asking for trouble. Peter -Original Message- From: Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com Sent: Apr 12, 2010 11:07 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints
Anyone know of where I could rent this proper MB tool? My brother and I just did this job for a friend this winter. Here's how it goes: First and foremost, you CANNOT use a simple ball joint press for this job. It MUST reach into the control arm to press straight down on the new joint. We modified the Harbor Freight tool by grinding off quite a bit of the upper end and welding some heavy plates on it to take the pressure (it bent). You will have to rent the correct MB tool or make/modify one to work. You cannot use a press for the same reason. Once you have a tool to re-install the new joints, take the spindle off, hold it in a vice, and use large drift (1 or so) and a sledge to drive the old ones out. Only takes a couple firm blows, and no other method will work (see above description). Press the new ones in and you are done. We had to remove the dust boot to use the modified harbor freight tool, I really don't like to. We may make a custom tool ourselves since we have access to the shop where my brother works if we need to do another set. If you cannot locate a tool, pay someone who does these properly to do the job, having a ball joint stuck most of the way in and cocked is asking for trouble. Peter -Original Message- From: Dieselhead 126die...@gmail.com Sent: Apr 12, 2010 11:07 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] 126 lower ball joints Now I get to figure out what I need to change the lower ball joints on the SDL next.I printed out the jobs from the CD. Anyone got any pointers about the 126 Job? Do you have to take the hub off the spindle as the cd shows? Fortunately, this is a southern rust-free car too, so there should not be much rust to have to break loose. I won't get to it for 2-3 weeks so there is no rush. I will have the HF ball joint tool, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, rattle wrench and the usual assortment of hand tools. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
