Re: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

i was trying to find the list of stuff I ordered from Jabba, at least I 
think I did.  Can't find it so sent him an email to see if he might have it.


--R


On 3/11/17 11:27 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

That would be great.  Anything you can pass along would be appreciated.

I have a plate type spring compressor I got for the W140s, so I’m good there.  
I don’t have a local machine shop identified, so I need to do that as I’ve 
never had to farm anything out around here.  My tire guys do front end work, so 
I’m pretty sure I can get them to press the ball joints and all that since I 
have a good relationship with them.

Both upper and lower ball joint boots are shot, so I’m assuming the joints are 
on their way out as well.  LCA bushings actually look pretty good from what I 
can see, but if I have to go that deep into the front end it seems silly to 
skip replacing them.

I have a big compressor, a big rattle gun and pickle forks (but not for the gun 
- I can get some of those at HF, I’m guessing.)  I also have all the W126 
manual operations for the work.  I would probably replace the front brake discs 
while I’m there as they aren’t far away from hitting the wear limits, and the 
pads are more than half gone, too.  I’m assuming I would need a ball joint 
separator - has anyone determined if the HF one works?

Someone replaced the tie rods in the recent past, as they’re all good and the 
center even still has the Mercedes parts sticker hanging from it.  Idler arm 
bushing can probably be done as well.  It’s not sloppy, but there’s a boatload 
of grease around the ends which makes me suspect its integrity.

Not sure I want to go MB on this, as the upper control arms are stupid 
expensive as are the lowers.  I’m having a tough time finding everything in 
Lemforder, too.  I see Meyle and Febi, with Febi being the cheapest (money 
would not be a major concern if I was doing this for a handoff to the oldest 
boy, but I’m not paying $300 to MB for a part I can get for under $100 
elsewhere, either.)  Anything I would buy aftermarket I would go to FCP Euro 
since they have lifetime replacement.  That way if it wears out in a couple of 
years I can get a new one from them gratis.

-D



On Mar 11, 2017, at 9:54 AM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes  
wrote:

I've done the 123 and 126, easy enough to do, the manuals give all the details, 
just go through methodically and do it.  Parts for the 126 maybe 3-4 years ago 
were about $900 for everything (and I probably replaced more than was needed 
but it was ALL renewed).  I got all the stuff from Jabba so can dig out the 
order list of all the parts.  I figured as long as I was doing the job the 
marginal cost of parts was minimal.  I think I did new break rotors and pats at 
the time too just because it was all apart, and you will want to clean and 
grease the bearings.

A BFH and air hammer (with pickle forks and chisels) are your friends for BJs 
and steering bits.  I have the spring compressor if you need to borrow it (and 
I think you do need it, it is still under compression with the LCA lowered).  I 
took new BJs to a shop to have them use the tool to press in, cost maybe $30 
and took about 15min.  Bushings (subframe mounts too) are easy enough with a 
biggish vise.  A rattle wrench is your friend too just to make easy work of 
losening everything.

I have some pics I took of some of the process, I can send them along if I can 
dig them out.

Then you'll need to take it to a good shop for an alignment.

The only thing I should have done was to try to adjust the steering box, it is 
still a bit lose.

--FT




___
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



--
--FT
Winston Churchill:
“Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or 
petty,
never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
enemy.”


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Jim Cathey via Mercedes]

SWMBA seems to be unable to distinguish between what she would tolerate,
and what would be not only tolerable, but likely best for the boy in the
long run in these situations.  I expect that we've got a few more fights on
the calendar before the boy actually hits the road.

You can't ever forget that the only real goal is preventing "Failure To
Launch".

-- 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[clay via Mercedes]

The vagaries of female logic defy me.  Add mom logic to that and I am just not 
from the same solar system.

I am of the opinion that some deep SOL situations might assist my progeny to 
have a firmer grasp on reality.  Then again, I am sure my own sperm donor felt 
the same way about me.  And his about him.

I am just waiting for the SWMBA mobile to have major issues so that she will 
see that crazy expensive repair is not the sole domain of german cars.  She 
remembers how well the cars we owned as newly wed fools were simple and 
inexpensive to care for.  Not so now.  Even my BiL who makes a living keeping 
emergency vehicles road worthy is of the opinion that he would rather toss a 
newer vehicle aside and get fresh than waste his cash on repairing, because 
there is no way he can make a repair his own self with all the real tools he 
has on hand.  Parts are just too expensive and there is not enough wrenching to 
be done

clay


> On Mar 11, 2017, at 12:18 PM, Curley McLain via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> SWMBO can "save" even more money by tossing $40k at a stealer to buy him a 
> new whatever.
> 
>> clay via Mercedes 
>> March 10, 2017 at 9:27 PM
>> I have wonderings about oldest boys. Dads know how to make car things 
>> better, but end up not getting ear time. #1 boy put his w140 out of 
>> commission, so SWMBA decided his car was evil and he needed a “better” car. 
>> Benz is bad. The solution is to purchase a “benz” built Jeep for mucho 
>> dollars.
>> 
>> Now #1 boy does no inspections or updates on his “new” car, just drives it, 
>> as if it is blessed and perfect because SWMBA had her way. Instead, the jeep 
>> was not taken car of by PO, and it dies after driving from ND to SEA. I haul 
>> his butt to ND in a 30 year old Benz. Then I drive his 10 year old benz 
>> built Jeep to ND, and my 30 year old Evil car back another 1252 miles. SWMBA 
>> foots the repair bill for the jeep.
>> 
>> Flash to two days ago. Oldest boy calls to find out if he can make a fix 
>> because he was not holding the door in 50 MPH gales and the driver door went 
>> sproing! as it tried to become a wing instead of a door. Now it does not 
>> align properly and all is sad. I told him to get an estimate from a body 
>> shop. Which was really expensive, so he should just use BFH to smack the 
>> metal back to a manner that will allow the door to fit right once again. A 
>> bit of a hillbilly fix, but cheaper than asking SWMBA for more cash.
>> 
>> Had the boy just spent a few grand to make the w140 roll again, it would 
>> have been so much more economical. All it needs to run properly is a fresh 
>> wire harness instead of the biodegradable original and toss in the dang head 
>> gasket, which would deal with leakage. And, have a shop build him a 
>> replacement radiator for the one -40 made bad.
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

SWMBO can "save" even more money by tossing $40k at a stealer to buy him 
a new whatever.



clay via Mercedes 
March 10, 2017 at 9:27 PM
I have wonderings about oldest boys. Dads know how to make car things 
better, but end up not getting ear time. #1 boy put his w140 out of 
commission, so SWMBA decided his car was evil and he needed a “better” 
car. Benz is bad. The solution is to purchase a “benz” built Jeep for 
mucho dollars.


Now #1 boy does no inspections or updates on his “new” car, just 
drives it, as if it is blessed and perfect because SWMBA had her way. 
Instead, the jeep was not taken car of by PO, and it dies after 
driving from ND to SEA. I haul his butt to ND in a 30 year old Benz. 
Then I drive his 10 year old benz built Jeep to ND, and my 30 year old 
Evil car back another 1252 miles. SWMBA foots the repair bill for the 
jeep.


Flash to two days ago. Oldest boy calls to find out if he can make a 
fix because he was not holding the door in 50 MPH gales and the driver 
door went sproing! as it tried to become a wing instead of a door. Now 
it does not align properly and all is sad. I told him to get an 
estimate from a body shop. Which was really expensive, so he should 
just use BFH to smack the metal back to a manner that will allow the 
door to fit right once again. A bit of a hillbilly fix, but cheaper 
than asking SWMBA for more cash.


Had the boy just spent a few grand to make the w140 roll again, it 
would have been so much more economical. All it needs to run properly 
is a fresh wire harness instead of the biodegradable original and toss 
in the dang head gasket, which would deal with leakage. And, have a 
shop build him a replacement radiator for the one -40 made bad.






___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

Thanks.  I figured it was something like that.  I did something similar on
other cars but had to use a set of cheapie spring compressors (the kind with
all-thread  with hooks) to compress the spring enough to reassemble.
Scott

> -Original Message-
> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of
> Curley McLain via Mercedes
> Sent: Saturday, March 11, 2017 8:37 PM
>
> Put the car on 6 ton jackstands, or light (3 ton) ones with blocking
> that can't tip, as a safety.   I used to have 12 x12 blocks a couple
> feet long.  Another alternative is to weld the light ones to a 12 x 12
plate so
> they can't tip.
> 
> Put the floor jack under the end of the LCA you want to take off Jack it
up
> (slow careful) to relieve pressure on the bolt you are going to remove.
> Remove bolt
> Lower floor jack
> 
> Sometimes on reassembly it is difficult to get things aligned to go back
together
> and hold it there until you can get a bolt in.  This is worst on the 124
(of 123,
> 124 and 126)
> 
> > Scott Ritchey via Mercedes  March 11,
> > 2017 at 7:07 PM Curley, How do you this? Specifically, how do you
> > expand the last bit of spring and then how to you compress the lose
> > spring enough to get the shock back on?
> > I've lowered the LCA to the extent of the shock when I replaced lower
> > ball joints but never completely removed the LCA or replaced the
bushing.
> > Second question: How can you tell the LCA bushings need to be replaced?
> > I'm sure mine need to be changed (1982 OE) but how do you check/test
> > that bushing?
> > 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

Put the car on 6 ton jackstands, or light (3 ton) ones with blocking 
that can't tip, as a safety.   I used to have 12 x12 blocks a couple 
feet long.  Another alternative is to weld the light ones to a 12 x 12 
plate so they can't tip.


Put the floor jack under the end of the LCA you want to take off
Jack it up (slow careful) to relieve pressure on the bolt you are going 
to remove.

Remove bolt
Lower floor jack

Sometimes on reassembly it is difficult to get things aligned to go back 
together and hold it there until you can get a bolt in.  This is worst 
on the 124 (of 123, 124 and 126)



Scott Ritchey via Mercedes 
March 11, 2017 at 7:07 PM
Curley,
How do you this? Specifically, how do you expand the last bit of 
spring and

then how to you compress the lose spring enough to get the shock back on?
I've lowered the LCA to the extent of the shock when I replaced lower ball
joints but never completely removed the LCA or replaced the bushing.
Second question: How can you tell the LCA bushings need to be replaced?
I'm sure mine need to be changed (1982 OE) but how do you check/test that
bushing?
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

Curley, 
How do you this?  Specifically, how do you expand the last bit of spring and
then how to you compress the lose spring enough to get the shock back on?  
I've lowered the LCA to the extent of the shock when I replaced lower ball
joints but never completely removed the LCA or replaced the bushing.
Second question:  How can you tell the LCA bushings need to be replaced?
I'm sure mine need to be changed (1982 OE) but how do you check/test that
bushing?
Scott

> -Original Message-
> From: Curley McLain via Mercedes
> Sent: Saturday, March 11, 2017 3:07 PM
> 
> The Klann probably would make the job easier, but I've done everything
> except 111 without a compressor.
> 
> ...



___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

Yes, what Peter said.  I put the steering knuckle in a vise and it was 
slick to put  in the BJs with the official tool.  The old BJs came out 
pretty easy on the car with LFH.  (2 lb)


124s were a lot tougher to get old BJ out.  If you have the BJ exposed 
to put on a boot, you may as well change the BJ.



Peter Frederick via Mercedes 
March 11, 2017 at 3:03 PM
Yes, upper can be done in car, lower requires steering knuckle removal.

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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

Crockauto had one side upper for something like $15 or 20 a couple 
months ago.  I got a spare for that cheap.  It was  a good brand.  I 
forget which but I am thinking moog.



Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
March 11, 2017 at 10:27 AM
That would be great. Anything you can pass along would be appreciated.

I have a plate type spring compressor I got for the W140s, so I’m good 
there. I don’t have a local machine shop identified, so I need to do 
that as I’ve never had to farm anything out around here. My tire guys 
do front end work, so I’m pretty sure I can get them to press the ball 
joints and all that since I have a good relationship with them.


Both upper and lower ball joint boots are shot, so I’m assuming the 
joints are on their way out as well. LCA bushings actually look pretty 
good from what I can see, but if I have to go that deep into the front 
end it seems silly to skip replacing them.


I have a big compressor, a big rattle gun and pickle forks (but not 
for the gun - I can get some of those at HF, I’m guessing.) I also 
have all the W126 manual operations for the work. I would probably 
replace the front brake discs while I’m there as they aren’t far away 
from hitting the wear limits, and the pads are more than half gone, 
too. I’m assuming I would need a ball joint separator - has anyone 
determined if the HF one works?


Someone replaced the tie rods in the recent past, as they’re all good 
and the center even still has the Mercedes parts sticker hanging from 
it. Idler arm bushing can probably be done as well. It’s not sloppy, 
but there’s a boatload of grease around the ends which makes me 
suspect its integrity.


Not sure I want to go MB on this, as the upper control arms are stupid 
expensive as are the lowers. I’m having a tough time finding 
everything in Lemforder, too. I see Meyle and Febi, with Febi being 
the cheapest (money would not be a major concern if I was doing this 
for a handoff to the oldest boy, but I’m not paying $300 to MB for a 
part I can get for under $100 elsewhere, either.) Anything I would buy 
aftermarket I would go to FCP Euro since they have lifetime 
replacement. That way if it wears out in a couple of years I can get a 
new one from them gratis.


-D




___
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

Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
March 11, 2017 at 8:54 AM
I've done the 123 and 126, easy enough to do, the manuals give all the 
details, just go through methodically and do it.  Parts for the 126 
maybe 3-4 years ago were about $900 for everything (and I probably 
replaced more than was needed but it was ALL renewed).  I got all the 
stuff from Jabba so can dig out the order list of all the parts.  I 
figured as long as I was doing the job the marginal cost of parts was 
minimal.  I think I did new break rotors and pats at the time too just 
because it was all apart, and you will want to clean and grease the 
bearings.


A BFH and air hammer (with pickle forks and chisels) are your friends 
for BJs and steering bits.  I have the spring compressor if you need 
to borrow it (and I think you do need it, it is still under 
compression with the LCA lowered).  I took new BJs to a shop to have 
them use the tool to press in, cost maybe $30 and took about 15min.  
Bushings (subframe mounts too) are easy enough with a biggish vise.  A 
rattle wrench is your friend too just to make easy work of losening 
everything.


I have some pics I took of some of the process, I can send them along 
if I can dig them out.


Then you'll need to take it to a good shop for an alignment.

The only thing I should have done was to try to adjust the steering 
box, it is still a bit lose.


--FT




Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
March 10, 2017 at 7:31 PM
SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over 
to the oldest boy. While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know 
a wise man picks his battles carefully.


Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be 
rebuilt before handing it over. This serves two purposes:


1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as 
the boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.


2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this 
would be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.


I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any 
observations, suggestions or experience that people might want to 
share would be most welcome. I am assuming I need to replace:


Upper control arms
Lower ball joints
Lower control arm bushings

The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those 
should be OK. Do I need to worry about the guide rod 

Re: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Peter Frederick via Mercedes]

Yes, upper can be done in car, lower requires steering knuckle removal.

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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

Looks like the upper can be done on the car YES

the steering knuckle has to come off for the lower? YES


Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
March 10, 2017 at 7:56 PM
I might be able to get away with just doing the upper control arms and 
ball joints. The LCA bushings aren’t that bad.


Looks like the upper can be done on the car, but the steering knuckle 
has to come off for the lower?


-D



___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

The Klann probably would make the job easier, but I've done everything 
except 111 without a compressor.



Max Dillon via Mercedes 
March 10, 2017 at 7:49 PM
Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.

Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted 
new ball joint and inner bushing. Pricey, but time saving and fewer 
special tools required.




___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

Correction:  that last link should have been: 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252781843579


> -Original Message-
> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of
> Scott Ritchey via Mercedes
> Sent: Saturday, March 11, 2017 2:16 PM
> To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' 
> Cc: Scott Ritchey 
> Subject: Re: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild
> 
> The actual lower ball joints are cheap (like $30), even for good
> quality parts, so I think you'll regret not replacing them.
> If you use the "pickle fork" to separate those tapered studs just know
> that it will ruin every joint (ball joints & tie rod ends) and you'll
> need to replace the boots and probably the joints.
> You can pop the three tapered studs non-destructively with the right
> tool. I needed to use two types of separator that generally looked like
> these (not sure about sizes):
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/252439905900
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/152445455569
> These tools did not damage the parts; I used the old nuts to protect
> the ends of the threads.
> I doubt a the average shop can press in the ball joint without a
> special tool.  That steering knuckle is an odd shape that defies the
> typical ball joint press.  The ball joint needs to be pressed straight
> in and must not get cocked. The ebay tool
> (http://www.ebay.com/itm/252439905900 )I used (with a shop press)
> provides correct alignment of the new BJ with the knuckle.  By the way,
> that tool comes with a special drift that does a good job removing the
> old BJ.
> 
> Scott
> 
> > -Original Message-
> > From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of
> Dan
> > Penoff via Mercedes I’m going to inspect everything closely today.
> > I’m thinking that if the LCA bushings are decent and the lower ball
> > joint is tight, I”m going to just do the upper control arm and
> replace
> > the boots on the lower ball joints and call it done.
> >
> > I’ve driven the car maybe 100 miles so far over all sorts of road
> > conditions and there’s no front end weirdness that I can identify.
> > Just last night the right lower ball joint started making some tiny
> > little noises during turns, which I suspect is probably due to a lack
> > of lubrication as the boots are totally shot on both.  I can get boot
> > kits from MB for maybe $15/each, so that would mean I would just have
> > to separate the ball joint to install then button everything back up.
> >
> > Can the HF separator handle these, or do I have to have the MB tool?
> >
> > Thanks all,
> >
> > -D
> 
> 
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Curley McLain via Mercedes]

I'd take the front spindles and LCAs parts to a shop to get the new 
stuff pressed in.  It was pretty easy to press in the lower BJs with the 
official tool, but nobody I know has that.  THe LCA inner bushings are 
much easier to pay a shop to press in.


Don't forget the tie rod ends, center link and idler arm bushings!

You need to  order the UCA outer bushings separately.  (4)
A drop of blue permatex on the outer UCA bolt is good.  I had one come 
out once.


the guide rods probably don't need to be touched.


Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
March 10, 2017 at 7:31 PM
SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over 
to the oldest boy. While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know 
a wise man picks his battles carefully.


Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be 
rebuilt before handing it over. This serves two purposes:


1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as 
the boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.


2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this 
would be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.


I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any 
observations, suggestions or experience that people might want to 
share would be most welcome. I am assuming I need to replace:


Upper control arms
Lower ball joints
Lower control arm bushings

The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those 
should be OK. Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts? 
How much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints? Should I have a 
shop press the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings? I don’t need a 
spring compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball 
joint and lower the arm to release the spring, correct?


I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the 
time comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.


Thanks,

-D
___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

The actual lower ball joints are cheap (like $30), even for good quality parts, 
so I think you'll regret not replacing them.
If you use the "pickle fork" to separate those tapered studs just know that it 
will ruin every joint (ball joints & tie rod ends) and you'll need to replace 
the boots and probably the joints.  
You can pop the three tapered studs non-destructively with the right tool. I 
needed to use two types of separator that generally looked like these (not sure 
about sizes):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252439905900
http://www.ebay.com/itm/152445455569
These tools did not damage the parts; I used the old nuts to protect the ends 
of the threads.
I doubt a the average shop can press in the ball joint without a special tool.  
That steering knuckle is an odd shape that defies the typical ball joint press. 
 The ball joint needs to be pressed straight in and must not get cocked. The 
ebay tool (http://www.ebay.com/itm/252439905900 )I used (with a shop press) 
provides correct alignment of the new BJ with the knuckle.  By the way, that 
tool comes with a special drift that does a good job removing the old BJ.

Scott

> -Original Message-
> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Dan
> Penoff via Mercedes
> I’m going to inspect everything closely today.  I’m thinking that if
> the LCA bushings are decent and the lower ball joint is tight, I”m
> going to just do the upper control arm and replace the boots on the
> lower ball joints and call it done.
> 
> I’ve driven the car maybe 100 miles so far over all sorts of road
> conditions and there’s no front end weirdness that I can identify.
> Just last night the right lower ball joint started making some tiny
> little noises during turns, which I suspect is probably due to a lack
> of lubrication as the boots are totally shot on both.  I can get boot
> kits from MB for maybe $15/each, so that would mean I would just have
> to separate the ball joint to install then button everything back up.
> 
> Can the HF separator handle these, or do I have to have the MB tool?
> 
> Thanks all,
> 
> -D


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

That would be great.  Anything you can pass along would be appreciated.

I have a plate type spring compressor I got for the W140s, so I’m good there.  
I don’t have a local machine shop identified, so I need to do that as I’ve 
never had to farm anything out around here.  My tire guys do front end work, so 
I’m pretty sure I can get them to press the ball joints and all that since I 
have a good relationship with them.

Both upper and lower ball joint boots are shot, so I’m assuming the joints are 
on their way out as well.  LCA bushings actually look pretty good from what I 
can see, but if I have to go that deep into the front end it seems silly to 
skip replacing them.

I have a big compressor, a big rattle gun and pickle forks (but not for the gun 
- I can get some of those at HF, I’m guessing.)  I also have all the W126 
manual operations for the work.  I would probably replace the front brake discs 
while I’m there as they aren’t far away from hitting the wear limits, and the 
pads are more than half gone, too.  I’m assuming I would need a ball joint 
separator - has anyone determined if the HF one works?

Someone replaced the tie rods in the recent past, as they’re all good and the 
center even still has the Mercedes parts sticker hanging from it.  Idler arm 
bushing can probably be done as well.  It’s not sloppy, but there’s a boatload 
of grease around the ends which makes me suspect its integrity.

Not sure I want to go MB on this, as the upper control arms are stupid 
expensive as are the lowers.  I’m having a tough time finding everything in 
Lemforder, too.  I see Meyle and Febi, with Febi being the cheapest (money 
would not be a major concern if I was doing this for a handoff to the oldest 
boy, but I’m not paying $300 to MB for a part I can get for under $100 
elsewhere, either.)  Anything I would buy aftermarket I would go to FCP Euro 
since they have lifetime replacement.  That way if it wears out in a couple of 
years I can get a new one from them gratis.

-D


> On Mar 11, 2017, at 9:54 AM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> I've done the 123 and 126, easy enough to do, the manuals give all the 
> details, just go through methodically and do it.  Parts for the 126 maybe 3-4 
> years ago were about $900 for everything (and I probably replaced more than 
> was needed but it was ALL renewed).  I got all the stuff from Jabba so can 
> dig out the order list of all the parts.  I figured as long as I was doing 
> the job the marginal cost of parts was minimal.  I think I did new break 
> rotors and pats at the time too just because it was all apart, and you will 
> want to clean and grease the bearings.
> 
> A BFH and air hammer (with pickle forks and chisels) are your friends for BJs 
> and steering bits.  I have the spring compressor if you need to borrow it 
> (and I think you do need it, it is still under compression with the LCA 
> lowered).  I took new BJs to a shop to have them use the tool to press in, 
> cost maybe $30 and took about 15min.  Bushings (subframe mounts too) are easy 
> enough with a biggish vise.  A rattle wrench is your friend too just to make 
> easy work of losening everything.
> 
> I have some pics I took of some of the process, I can send them along if I 
> can dig them out.
> 
> Then you'll need to take it to a good shop for an alignment.
> 
> The only thing I should have done was to try to adjust the steering box, it 
> is still a bit lose.
> 
> --FT
> 
> 


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

I've done the 123 and 126, easy enough to do, the manuals give all the 
details, just go through methodically and do it.  Parts for the 126 
maybe 3-4 years ago were about $900 for everything (and I probably 
replaced more than was needed but it was ALL renewed).  I got all the 
stuff from Jabba so can dig out the order list of all the parts.  I 
figured as long as I was doing the job the marginal cost of parts was 
minimal.  I think I did new break rotors and pats at the time too just 
because it was all apart, and you will want to clean and grease the 
bearings.


A BFH and air hammer (with pickle forks and chisels) are your friends 
for BJs and steering bits.  I have the spring compressor if you need to 
borrow it (and I think you do need it, it is still under compression 
with the LCA lowered).  I took new BJs to a shop to have them use the 
tool to press in, cost maybe $30 and took about 15min.  Bushings 
(subframe mounts too) are easy enough with a biggish vise.  A rattle 
wrench is your friend too just to make easy work of losening everything.


I have some pics I took of some of the process, I can send them along if 
I can dig them out.


Then you'll need to take it to a good shop for an alignment.

The only thing I should have done was to try to adjust the steering box, 
it is still a bit lose.


--FT


On 3/10/17 8:31 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over to the 
oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know a wise man 
picks his battles carefully.

Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be rebuilt 
before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:

1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the boots 
on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.

2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this would be 
a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.

I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any observations, 
suggestions or experience that people might want to share would be most 
welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:

Upper control arms
Lower ball joints
Lower control arm bushings

The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those should 
be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts?  How much of a 
nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a shop press the new ones 
in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a spring compressor as I recall - 
I can just separate the lower ball joint and lower the arm to release the 
spring, correct?

I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the time comes 
to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.

Thanks,

-D
___
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



--
--FT
Winston Churchill:
“Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or 
petty,
never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
enemy.”


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes]

If the boots are torn, the ball joint needs to be replaced. If it tore and you 
noticed it right away you might be able to get away with just doing boots but 
if it's now making noise, it's already damaged. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 11, 2017, at 6:44 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> I’m going to inspect everything closely today.  I’m thinking that if the LCA 
> bushings are decent and the lower ball joint is tight, I”m going to just do 
> the upper control arm and replace the boots on the lower ball joints and call 
> it done.
> 
> I’ve driven the car maybe 100 miles so far over all sorts of road conditions 
> and there’s no front end weirdness that I can identify.  Just last night the 
> right lower ball joint started making some tiny little noises during turns, 
> which I suspect is probably due to a lack of lubrication as the boots are 
> totally shot on both.  I can get boot kits from MB for maybe $15/each, so 
> that would mean I would just have to separate the ball joint to install then 
> button everything back up.
> 
> Can the HF separator handle these, or do I have to have the MB tool?
> 
> Thanks all,
> 
> -D
> 
> 
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

I’m going to inspect everything closely today.  I’m thinking that if the LCA 
bushings are decent and the lower ball joint is tight, I”m going to just do the 
upper control arm and replace the boots on the lower ball joints and call it 
done.

I’ve driven the car maybe 100 miles so far over all sorts of road conditions 
and there’s no front end weirdness that I can identify.  Just last night the 
right lower ball joint started making some tiny little noises during turns, 
which I suspect is probably due to a lack of lubrication as the boots are 
totally shot on both.  I can get boot kits from MB for maybe $15/each, so that 
would mean I would just have to separate the ball joint to install then button 
everything back up.

Can the HF separator handle these, or do I have to have the MB tool?

Thanks all,

-D


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Max Dillon via Mercedes]

Thanks for correcting me, shouldn't have assumed they were similar to 124 cars.
-- 
Max Dillon
Charleston SC
'87 300TD
'95 E300

On March 11, 2017 12:13:56 AM EST, Scott Ritchey via Mercedes 
 wrote:
>Bushing-yes; ball joint-no.  Ball joint presses into the knuckle.
>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of
>> Max Dillon via Mercedes
>> Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 8:50 PM
>> To: Mercedes Discussion List 
>> Cc: Max Dillon 
>> Subject: Re: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild
>> 
>> Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.
>> 
>> Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted
>new
>> ball joint and inner bushing.   Pricey, but time saving and fewer
>special tools
>> required.
>> --
>> Max Dillon
>> Charleston SC
>> '87 300TD
>> '95 E300
>> 
>> On March 10, 2017 8:31:12 PM EST, Dan Penoff via Mercedes
>>  wrote:
>> >SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing
>over
>> >to the oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all
>know
>> >a wise man picks his battles carefully.
>> >
>> >Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to
>be
>> >rebuilt before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
>> >
>> >1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as
>the
>> >boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
>> >
>> >2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so
>this
>> >would be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the
>spouse.
>> >
>> >I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any
>> >observations, suggestions or experience that people might want to
>share
>> >would be most welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
>> >
>> >Upper control arms
>> >Lower ball joints
>> >Lower control arm bushings
>> >
>> >The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so
>those
>> >should be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod
>bushings/mounts?
>> >How much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have
>a
>> >shop press the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t
>need a
>> >spring compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball
>> >joint and lower the arm to release the spring, correct?
>> >
>> >I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the
>> >time comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
>> >
>> >Thanks,
>> >
>> >-D
>> >___
>> >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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

Bushing-yes; ball joint-no.  Ball joint presses into the knuckle.

> -Original Message-
> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of
> Max Dillon via Mercedes
> Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 8:50 PM
> To: Mercedes Discussion List 
> Cc: Max Dillon 
> Subject: Re: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild
> 
> Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.
> 
> Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted new
> ball joint and inner bushing.   Pricey, but time saving and fewer special 
> tools
> required.
> --
> Max Dillon
> Charleston SC
> '87 300TD
> '95 E300
> 
> On March 10, 2017 8:31:12 PM EST, Dan Penoff via Mercedes
>  wrote:
> >SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over
> >to the oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know
> >a wise man picks his battles carefully.
> >
> >Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be
> >rebuilt before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
> >
> >1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the
> >boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
> >
> >2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this
> >would be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.
> >
> >I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any
> >observations, suggestions or experience that people might want to share
> >would be most welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
> >
> >Upper control arms
> >Lower ball joints
> >Lower control arm bushings
> >
> >The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those
> >should be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts?
> >How much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a
> >shop press the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a
> >spring compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball
> >joint and lower the arm to release the spring, correct?
> >
> >I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the
> >time comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >
> >-D
> >___
> >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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Scott Ritchey via Mercedes]

The lower ball joint is pressed into the steering knuckle, not the LCA.
You do need a spring compressor to remove the LCA (e.g. to replace the camber 
bushing) but you can do everything else without removing the LCA.  The shock 
will hold the extended LCA against the spring but also support it with 
something below.
To remove the lower ball joint, completely remove the steering knuckle, chuck 
it in a big vice, and beat the ball joint out with a hammer (4 lb or bigger).
The upper ball joint is replaced as an assembly, in a fairly obvious way.  Be 
careful not to break the end off the sway bar.
There is a special $300+ tool to press in a new ball joint without damaging it. 
 I never used one.
There is also a $100 tool (sold on ebay) that will press in a new ball joint 
but you also need a shop press (like this: 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W213-W126-W220-Ball-Joint-Installer-Tool-/252781843579?
 ).  
This ebay tool worked well for me.  
Some have reported success with the free FLAPS ball joint tool, but I have 
doubts about doing that without damage.
You'll need a couple of types of ball joint separators to get the knuckle off 
without damage.  
Torque the LCA camber bushings and UCA chassis bushings with weight on wheels 
to avoid stressing the rubber.
Obviously, wheels, brakes, calipers, etc. have to be removed as the first step 
to get to the knuckle.
If brake disks or wheel bearings need to be replaced, do that while the hub is 
off.  
Have fresh wheel bearing grease on hand.
I haven't done the guide rod bushings but I hear it's a hard job because of 
corrosion.

> -Original Message-
> From: Mercedes [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Dan
> Penoff via Mercedes
> Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 8:31 PM
> To: Mercedes List 
> Cc: Dan Penoff 
> Subject: [MBZ] W126 Front End Rebuild
> 
> SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over to the
> oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know a wise man
> picks his battles carefully.
> 
> Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be rebuilt
> before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
> 
> 1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the boots
> on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
> 
> 2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this would
> be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.
> 
> I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any observations,
> suggestions or experience that people might want to share would be most
> welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
> 
> Upper control arms
> Lower ball joints
> Lower control arm bushings
> 
> The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those
> should be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts?
> How much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a shop
> press the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a spring
> compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball joint and lower 
> the
> arm to release the spring, correct?
> 
> I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the time
> comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> -D
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[clay via Mercedes]

I have wonderings about oldest boys.  Dads know how to make car things better, 
but end up not getting ear time.   #1 boy put his w140 out of commission, so 
SWMBA decided his car was evil and he needed a “better” car.  Benz is bad.  The 
solution is to purchase a “benz” built Jeep for mucho dollars.

Now #1 boy does no inspections or updates on his “new” car, just drives it, as 
if it is blessed and perfect because SWMBA had her way.  Instead, the jeep was 
not taken car of by PO, and it dies after driving from ND to SEA.  I haul his 
butt to ND in a 30 year old Benz.  Then I drive his 10 year old benz built Jeep 
to ND, and my 30 year old Evil car back another 1252 miles.  SWMBA foots the 
repair bill for the jeep.

Flash to two days ago.   Oldest boy calls to find out if he can make a fix 
because he was not holding the door in 50 MPH gales and the driver door went 
sproing! as it tried to become a wing instead of a door.  Now it does not align 
properly and all is sad.  I told him to get an estimate from a body shop.  
Which was really expensive, so he should just use BFH to smack the metal back 
to a manner that will allow the door to fit right once again.  A bit of a 
hillbilly fix, but cheaper than asking SWMBA for more cash.

Had the boy just spent a few grand to make the w140 roll again, it would have 
been so much more economical.  All it needs to run properly is a fresh wire 
harness instead of the biodegradable original and toss in the dang head gasket, 
which would deal with leakage.  And, have a shop build him a replacement 
radiator for the one -40 made bad.




> On Mar 10, 2017, at 5:50 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> Why do we need to hand anything over to the oldest boy? What is the oldest 
> boy driving now? 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 10, 2017, at 7:31 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over to 
>> the oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know a wise 
>> man picks his battles carefully.
>> 
>> Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be 
>> rebuilt before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
>> 
>> 1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the 
>> boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
>> 
>> 2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this would 
>> be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.
>> 
>> I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any observations, 
>> suggestions or experience that people might want to share would be most 
>> welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
>> 
>> Upper control arms
>> Lower ball joints
>> Lower control arm bushings
>> 
>> The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those 
>> should be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts?  How 
>> much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a shop press 
>> the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a spring 
>> compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball joint and lower 
>> the arm to release the spring, correct?
>> 
>> I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the time 
>> comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> -D 

___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

I do. Can you use them on the W126?

Thanks!

-D

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 10, 2017, at 9:24 PM, Rick Knoble via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> Dan sez:
> 
>> I figure I can learn how to do this on the >300SEL and then when the time 
>> comes to >do the 350SDL it will be that much >easier.
> 
> The only two cents I can add, is that front end work is simple, but bull 
> work. Without air tools, BFH, and lots of elbow grease, it is no fun. Buy OE 
> or‎ OEM parts. You do NOT want to be doing this job on the same car again in 
> a year. I was under the impression you had a Klann copy spring compressor. 
> Maybe that is Rich or Floyd now. 
> 
> Rick
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Rick Knoble via Mercedes]

Dan sez:

> I figure I can learn how to do this on the >300SEL and then when the time 
> comes to >do the 350SDL it will be that much >easier.

The only two cents I can add, is that front end work is simple, but bull work. 
Without air tools, BFH, and lots of elbow grease, it is no fun. Buy OE or‎ OEM 
parts. You do NOT want to be doing this job on the same car again in a year. I 
was under the impression you had a Klann copy spring compressor. Maybe that is 
Rich or Floyd now. 

Rick
___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Peter Frederick via Mercedes]

We modified a ball joint tool to press the lower joints in.  Big PITA, my 
friend with a shop used to keep a pair of lower control arms in stock and swap 
them, then send the bad ones off to a shop in Indianapolis to trade them.  
Since we made the tool, we do them occasionally for him.

Out is easy, a stout vise and a drift and large hammer works just fine.  In is 
a pain and cannot be done without a special tool, homemade or otherwise.  

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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

I’m going to check them this weekend and see what kind of shape they’re in.  If 
they’re still tight I might go the new boot and grease route.  That would mean 
I would still have to break everything apart, but I wouldn’t have to replace 
the joint.

-D





> On Mar 10, 2017, at 9:16 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> Yes unless you have the factory tool. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 10, 2017, at 7:56 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I might be able to get away with just doing the upper control arms and ball 
>> joints.  The LCA bushings aren’t that bad.
>> 
>> Looks like the upper can be done on the car, but the steering knuckle has to 
>> come off for the lower?
>> 
>> -D
>> 


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes]

Yes unless you have the factory tool. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2017, at 7:56 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> I might be able to get away with just doing the upper control arms and ball 
> joints.  The LCA bushings aren’t that bad.
> 
> Looks like the upper can be done on the car, but the steering knuckle has to 
> come off for the lower?
> 
> -D
> 
> 
>> On Mar 10, 2017, at 8:49 PM, Max Dillon via Mercedes  
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.
>> 
>> Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted new 
>> ball joint and inner bushing.   Pricey, but time saving and fewer special 
>> tools required.
>> -- 
>> Max Dillon
>> Charleston SC
>> '87 300TD
>> '95 E300
>> 
> 
> 
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

I might be able to get away with just doing the upper control arms and ball 
joints.  The LCA bushings aren’t that bad.

Looks like the upper can be done on the car, but the steering knuckle has to 
come off for the lower?

-D


> On Mar 10, 2017, at 8:49 PM, Max Dillon via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.
> 
> Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted new 
> ball joint and inner bushing.   Pricey, but time saving and fewer special 
> tools required.
> -- 
> Max Dillon
> Charleston SC
> '87 300TD
> '95 E300
> 


___
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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes]

Why do we need to hand anything over to the oldest boy? What is the oldest boy 
driving now? 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 10, 2017, at 7:31 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over to the 
> oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know a wise man 
> picks his battles carefully.
> 
> Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be 
> rebuilt before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
> 
> 1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the boots 
> on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
> 
> 2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this would 
> be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.
> 
> I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any observations, 
> suggestions or experience that people might want to share would be most 
> welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
> 
> Upper control arms
> Lower ball joints
> Lower control arm bushings
> 
> The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those should 
> be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts?  How much of 
> a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a shop press the new 
> ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a spring compressor as I 
> recall - I can just separate the lower ball joint and lower the arm to 
> release the spring, correct?
> 
> I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the time 
> comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> -D
> ___
> 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] W126 Front End Rebuild

[Max Dillon via Mercedes]

Pretty sure a spring compressor is required for the front.

Check the price for a new lower control arm, that should have mounted new ball 
joint and inner bushing.   Pricey, but time saving and fewer special tools 
required.
-- 
Max Dillon
Charleston SC
'87 300TD
'95 E300

On March 10, 2017 8:31:12 PM EST, Dan Penoff via Mercedes 
 wrote:
>SWMBO is of the opinion I need to make the 300SEL fit for handing over
>to the oldest boy.  While I’m far from keen about this, as we all know
>a wise man picks his battles carefully.
>
>Anyway, my feeling is that if this is to be, the front end needs to be
>rebuilt before handing it over.  This serves two purposes:
>
>1.) To make the car pretty much 100% as far as front suspension, as the
>boots on all the joints are gone and it’s a little noisy at times.
>
>2.) I have never rebuilt the front suspension on ANY Mercedes, so this
>would be a good opportunity to do so with the blessings of the spouse.
>
>I’ll be researching this on the Interwebs, but of course any
>observations, suggestions or experience that people might want to share
>would be most welcome.  I am assuming I need to replace:
>
>Upper control arms
>Lower ball joints
>Lower control arm bushings
>
>The guide rods have been changed and look good and are tight, so those
>should be OK.  Do I need to worry about the guide rod bushings/mounts? 
>How much of a nightmare is removing the ball joints?  Should I have a
>shop press the new ones in as well as the LCA bushings?  I don’t need a
>spring compressor as I recall - I can just separate the lower ball
>joint and lower the arm to release the spring, correct?
>
>I figure I can learn how to do this on the 300SEL and then when the
>time comes to do the 350SDL it will be that much easier.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-D
>___
>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] W126 front end rebuild

[Dieselhead]

Definitely rent the ball joint tool from Rusty for a 126.  You can 
knock the old ones out with the same 1 1/16" deep socket you used for 
R & R injector nozzle holders  Just put it over the stem of the old 
BJ (Best to take off the boot first, if it is still there.) and whack 
with a businesslike hammer.  (3-10 lb.)  MFH to BFH.


You need access to a vice to hold the rented press while you push in 
the new joints.  Due to the complexity of the 126, it is much better 
to rent the proper press from the Q man.




I need to look at the suspension bits and the relevant manual 
sections, and order the parts I guess.  I did the 123 front 
suspension, it was pretty straightforward, though I did take the 
ball joints to a mech to have them removed and pressed in with the 
MB tool.


--R

On 10/22/11 5:58 PM, Peter Frederick wrote:
Tie rods are the same, drag link and bushings are the same, but 
ball joints are MUCH more work and you have to deal with the 
possbility of worn out thrust links on the W126 rather than a 
simple control arm bushing replacement (or control arm replacement, 
since it's cheap).


Peter

On Oct 22, 2011, at 4:51 PM, Rich Thomas wrote:

How long did it take?  I think I need to do mama's 126 ASAP as it 
is feeling a bit wobbly.  Anybody have any details on that job?


--R

On 10/22/11 5:26 PM, Jaime Kopchinski wrote:

Hi Guys,
We did the front end in a friend's W124 today and I did a write up on my
website you might enjoy:

http://www.jaimekop.com/2011/10/w124-front-end-rebuild/

Jaime
___
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://mail.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://mail.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://mail.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://mail.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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] W126 front end rebuild

[Rich Thomas]

I need to look at the suspension bits and the relevant manual sections, 
and order the parts I guess.  I did the 123 front suspension, it was 
pretty straightforward, though I did take the ball joints to a mech to 
have them removed and pressed in with the MB tool.


--R

On 10/22/11 5:58 PM, Peter Frederick wrote:
Tie rods are the same, drag link and bushings are the same, but ball 
joints are MUCH more work and you have to deal with the possbility of 
worn out thrust links on the W126 rather than a simple control arm 
bushing replacement (or control arm replacement, since it's cheap).


Peter

On Oct 22, 2011, at 4:51 PM, Rich Thomas wrote:

How long did it take?  I think I need to do mama's 126 ASAP as it is 
feeling a bit wobbly.  Anybody have any details on that job?


--R

On 10/22/11 5:26 PM, Jaime Kopchinski wrote:

Hi Guys,
We did the front end in a friend's W124 today and I did a write up 
on my

website you might enjoy:

http://www.jaimekop.com/2011/10/w124-front-end-rebuild/

Jaime
___
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://mail.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://mail.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://mail.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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com