Ball Joint and ABS Sensor problems

[Harv1963]

Car - W126 500 SEL

Well, just spent the whole of Easter Sunday trying to fit a new nearside lower ball joint to my car. . (Think my time would have been better spent down the pub having a pint!)

I am totally stumped.

First issue is the ABS sensor. Despite undoing the retaining screw, the sensor seems to be totally seized in place and I can't get it to release. Any advice would be gratefully received.

Secondly, I've managed to get the old ball joint out after a lot of swearing, but simply cannot get the new one in. I confess I do not have any special tools but thought there would be a way to do it anyway. Not so it seems.

Again any advice would be very gratefully received. (as you can imagine my car is now stranded in a friends garage and I can't even take the arm to someone else to get help as I can't separate the ABS sensor. (Aaaaggggh)

 

[martyz]

You might have to get another sensor and beat the old one out,they can be a right
pain especially when they have been in situ for years,they tend to seize solid,then take
the arm to someone with a press.

 

[zenman63]

You need to get a thin tapered chisel, or blade and tap all around the abs sensor to get a gap you can then get a screwdriver under it, wd40 and it will come out.
As for the ball joint, take a picture of the problem.

 

[johnsco]

I did this job some years ago.
I removed the suspension leg from the car - complete with the ABS sensor and the cable.
The cable unplugs towards the firewall in the engine compartment.
Trace the cable back and you will find it.
If you try to remove the sensor from the leg, there is a high chance you will nacker it.

You can knock out the old ball joint.
You will not be able to refit the new joint without the special press and tool to do it.
I took the leg (including cable) to a MB independent specialist and he pressed it in for me in 10 minutes ... Did not even charge me.

Then refit the leg and re-route and re-connect the ABS cable.

 

[Harv1963]

Thank you. Managed today to borrow a press tool from my very understanding local garage.
A few beers on their way to them! With the help of a good friend we got the ball joint in. Once reassembled I'll see if I've damaged the ABS sensor. Wish me luck!! Thanks again for all the advice. I love this forum!

 

[johnsco]

Great Forum this ...

Good Luck.