500SEC (140.070) V8-5.0L (119.970) (1993)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint, Lower
Checking Ball Joints For Wear
Checking Ball Joints For Wear
190D & E, 260E, 300CE, D, E, SD, SL & TE, 400E & SE & 500E, SEL & SL, 600SEL & 1992 300SE
Ball joints are maintenance free. If a damaged ball joint boot is discovered the ball joint must be replaced. Check for a firm seat in the control arm.
Check the sleeve for cracks and damage, then the wire retainer for proper seating. Place a six inch (150 mm) long tube onto steering knuckle pins. Pins
should move backward and forward without play, jamming or a grating noise.
300SEL, 350SD & SDL, 420SEL & 560SEC & SEL & 1989-91 300SE
These models are equipped with a ball joint and guide joint.
The ball joints are maintenance free. If a damaged ball joint boot is discovered the ball joint must be replaced. Place a six inch (150 mm) long tube
onto steering knuckle pins. Pins should move backward and forward without clearance, binding or rasping noise. Check ball joint sleeves for cracking
and damage.
The guide joint is located in the control arm. Check the sleeve for cracks, damage or leaking. If guide joint is found faulty, the upper control arm
assembly must be replaced.
Inspection
1. Inspect boot and replace ball joint if boot leaks or is torn.
2. Check for a firm seat in control arm.
3. Check sleeve for cracks and damage, then wire retainer for proper seating.
4. Place a six-inch long tube onto steering knuckle pins. Pins should move backward and forward without play, jamming or a grating noise.
5. Place lever under control arm, then lift and lower control arm.
6. If any ball joint play can be detected, replace ball joint (or control arm on vehicles with integral ball joints).