Mercedes-Benz W202 lower control arms and lower ball joints
When should the W202 lower ball joints be replaced and how is the play checked?
The replacement interval is roughly 180–200 thousand km. The joints usually wear at the same time, so it is not worth replacing one joint alone. Check: lift the front end, support the lower control arm with a jack and rock the joint with a pry bar at the base of the ball. The play shows there. Have a workshop check the result of steering and chassis work.
How is the W202 lower ball joint removed?
1. Raise the front corner and remove the wheel. 2. Loosen the lower and upper nut at the same pace; leave the upper nut on a few threads. 3. Knock the pin loose with a hammer at the pin. The steering pin can break off in its seat, and wrong hammering damages parts.
Do the alignment angles change after replacing the lower ball joint?
Usually not, if the tie rod is not replaced. If the steering wheel is left crooked after the replacement, the car should be aligned with a four-wheel alignment.
Why does the end of the control arm rust and when are the bushing or the whole arm replaced?
There is no protection inside the control arm, so the end rusts from the inside and the lower ball joint can tear out of the weld seam. Inspect the arm carefully before replacing the bushings. Replacing the bushings requires a press and support for the arm, and removing the old bushing is the hardest step.