W126: Knock knock

So, did ball joints/guide rod mounts on an 87 300SDL. I've got the tools to do the work on the car, but if I'm honest, it's quicker for me to remove the spindle assembly/guide rod bracket and knock everything out on a bench.

Hey a taste of Mercedes dealer tools at work. Spindle cap remover hammer. Ever get tired of beating on your grease caps with a hammer/flathead? Well, if you'd ever want to race me in removing the caps, try beating 3 seconds.

 

Cap removed, tool worked................... 

Before I even start the major work, spring removal is a must. I don't even bother playing with the suspensions on these cars without removing the springs. This is before I remove shocks, etc etc etc.

Tada

No pics of the special press here. Knock the old ball joint out with a hammer, clean the bore of the spindle with a wire brush and press in the new joint. To make life infinitely easier (if you're doing the work) leave your ball joint in the freezer for a few hours. Goes in like butter.

Both ball joints on this car hadn't had their boots for years. No lubrication at all and they were fairly rusted.

I say knock them out with a hammer, but when they're stubborn and don't want to come out, a powerful air hammer with a chisel that will dig into the joint like this will get them out in no time.

My 6lb wilton sledge in the back definitely gave this joint a beating./

Here's a small clip of the bad guide rod mounts this car was knocking with. 

Bracket is aluminum, but give it enough time with a different metal and you'll start getting a build up of materials that makes extracting the old mounts from this an absolute chore.

New joints look at home and will probably give this car a good reliable 100k miles.