Mercedes Benz C 43 AMG Technical Service Bulletin # P-33_20-14 Date: 040818

Mercedes Benz C 43 AMG Technical Service Bulletin # P-33_20-14 Date: 040818

Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection

Date: August 18, 2004

Order No.: P-B-33.20/14

Supersedes:

Group: 33

SUBJECT:

110

Model 170.447/449/465/466

Model 202.022/023/024/028/029/033

Model 208.365/370/374/465/470/474

Model 211.082/083/283

Model 220.183/184

Inspection of Front Axle Ball Joints

Note:

For Information Only

We have noticed that ball joints are being unnecessarily replaced in spite of the fact that the replaced parts do not show any signs of wear or play.

For this reason, we have developed an objective testing method for these parts. Before replacing ball joints always use the following testing method

or the warranty claim may be rejected.

This testing method can be used to inspect ball joints in their installed positions. For this reason it is critical that the testing procedure be performed

with the vehicle standing on its wheels in a load bearing manner.

1. Raise the vehicle with a four column drive-on lift platform.

Warning!

Secure the vehicle with the parking brake. Observe accident prevention regulations and guidelines from the lift manufacturer.

Note:

The vehicle must be standing on its wheels in a horizontal position since the play of the ball joints (2) must be inspected when in an

installed and load bearing condition.

2. Check the rubber boots (Figure 1, A) of the ball joint (Figure 1, 2) for cracks and damage. If necessary, install new ball joint. For Model 170,

111

202, 208, 210 (except 4-Matic), refer to WIS document no. AR33.20-P-0440B. For Model 210 4-Matic, refer to WIS document no.

AR33.20-P-044D. For Model 220 4-Matic, refer to WIS document no. AR33.20-P-0440IW.

3. Before inspecting the ball joint, verify that the gauge (Figure 1, 01) is within specification (89.9+.1 mm). If the gauge is outside the required

dimension and tolerance, replace the gauge, part no. W210 589 08 21 00.

4. Inspect both ball joints for play by attempting to slide the gauge (Figure 1, 01) over the ball joint as shown in Figure 1. If the gauge slides over

the ball joint (Figure 1, A), replace the ball joint. For 170, 202, 208, 210 (except 4-Matic), refer to WIS document no. AR33.20-P-0440B. For

Model 210 4-Matic, refer to WIS document no. AR33.20-P-044D. For Model 220 4-Matic, refer to WIS document no. AR33.20-P-0440IW.

Note:

Figure 1, B illustrates an example where the gauge does not slide over the ball joint, therefore, replacement is not necessary.