Contents: Removal ↡ Installation ↡
Note: New ball joint nuts will be required for installation.
Removal
1. Apply the parking brake and place chocks under the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it (see Fig. "Lifting the car and placing it on supports").
2. Loosen and remove the nuts securing the ball joints of the steering rod to the steering knuckle and the intermediate arm/pitman arm (depending on what is required). Disconnect the joints, using a puller if necessary to remove the conical pins. Remove the steering rod from under the car.
3. Check that the joints move freely without binding and that the joint boots are not damaged or have cracks or tears. If the joints are worn or damaged, they should be replaced as described in paragraph 29. If only the covers are damaged, replace them and apply fresh grease.
Installation
4. Check that the pivot pins are clean and dry. If a new tie rod assembly is being installed, check that the tie rod length is correct before installation; the distance between the centers of the ball joints should be 337±12 mm.
5. Maneuver to position the lever, making sure it is positioned correctly (the inner hinge is secured with a clamp, and the outer hinge with a tension ring and lock nut). Connect the hinge pins with the steering knuckle and the steering knuckle.
6. Install new mounting nuts onto the hinges and tighten them to the required torque.
[Material borrowed from an online resource: www.mercedesman.ru]
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground and check the front wheel alignment as described in paragraph 31.