Front Lower Ball Joint - Checking Procedures
REF. NO. 33/34DATE: September 1995
(supersedes S.I. 33/30, June 1993)
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
Revision:
Update to include procedure with new inspection Gauge
SUBJECT:
MODELS 124, 129, AND 201
CHECKING LOWER FRONT AXLE BALL JOINTS
Additional to the visual inspection of the front axle ball joints, the below listed ball joint checks are required at every maintenance job.
Checking Procedures:
(Vehicle can be driven onto a drive-on lift, but vehicle weight must be on its wheels.)
A - Inspecting ball joints with gauge
(All models except with engines 104 and 119)
1. Ball joint must be replaced if Special Tool, part no. 201 589 1023 00 (1, Figure 1) can be inserted completely, by hand, without much resistance and without the use of any tools.
B - Inspecting ball joints with lever/fulcrum
(All models)
1. Position Special Tool, part no. 129 589 06 21 00 (090, Figure 2), under control arm as close as possible to ball joint (arrow, Figure 3).
2. By lifting/lowering control arm (4, Figure 3) with Special Tool (loading/unloading wheel), any play can be detected at the ball joint by a second person touching the ball joint.
3. It play is found in the ball joint, the ball joint or control arm (on versions with integral ball joints) must be replaced (See SMS, Front axle, Group 33, Job Nos. 33-0440 or 33-0510).
!IMPORTANT NOTE!
Ball joint (7, Figure 4) must be replaced if its boot/cover leaks or is torn.
When a ball joint is replaced, it must always be installed in the upper most position. Only tighten clamping bolt once ball joint is pressed up with mobile jack (arrow, Figure 4).
In addition, ball joint freeplay inspection (Maintenance Job No.3355) must be performed every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Time Allowance Information
The recommended time allowance, in the warranty time guide, for maintenance service with 60,000 mile intervals already includes the time allowance of .2 hours for the ball joint free play check. This recommended time of .2 hours may be added when checking ball joints at all other maintenance services.
Please note:
The warranty time guide scheduled for release in March 1997 will include this time allowance of .2 hours in all maintenance services.
Special Tools