Hello,

I'm going to be replacing the passenger side balljoint on my '87 240DL wagon on Monday. I'm getting the part from an Autozone so I don't know 100% what this thing is going to look like. I've never done a balljoint on any car I've owned, but the procedure seems simple enough. I would've liked to have gotten the balljoint from IPD but I need it before "Steal-the-land-from-the-Indians-Day" gets here, so I had to relent and get it from Autozone, since they could get it quicker. Incidentally there was only about $1.50 difference between the two places. In the IPD catalog it shows a balljoint like what I see in my Haynes manual, however this is the question. In the Haynes manual it says something about removing two sets of bolts then putting the whole gizmo in a vise and tapping the balljoint out then putting the new one in. My question is what are you tapping out? If you're putting a whole brand-spanking-new balljoint in, why don't you just take the old one out and bolt the new one in? Maybe this will all be clear when I've got the wheel off and am also looking at my new replacement. Do I really need a vise? Also I've heard mention of using a pickle fork too. I know what one is, but of course I don't have one. Again the IPD catalog gives a tip for removing a balljoint without having to use a pickle fork and/or damage the boot in the process. So, I guess any help on my dumb question? I can do brakes, tune-up, oil change, even timing belt, but I've never done any suspension work. Help!

Matt Campbell '87 240DL wagon