Merc E200 1995

frank1, Dec 7, 8:47pm
Friend of mine took his Merc to get a wof from Pittstop--was failed on bottom ball joints(too much movement up/down.
OK my question is--this car has been off the road for 12 monthssince previous WOF was issued ,and yet he was told-because it was sitting for so long ball joints could/have failed.
I am pretty up to date with WOF issues-and allowable movement in ball joints--Are Mercs different--or are some WOF agents not aware!

a.woodrow, Dec 7, 9:44pm
frank1 wrote:
Friend of mine took his Merc to get a wof from Pittstop--was failed on bottom ball joints(too much movement up/down.
OK my question is--this car has been off the road for 12 monthssince previous WOF was issued ,and yet he was told-because it was sitting for so long ball joints could/have failed.
I am pretty up to date with WOF issues-and allowable movement in ball joints--Are Mercs different--or are some WOF agents not aware![/quote

You would need to find out the maximum allowable play from the manufacturer, some balljoints aren't allowed any play at all, others can have quite a bit

franc123, Dec 8, 9:37am
The inspector was well within their rights to have failed it if they thought the movement was excessive, its up to the vehicle owner to prove that this isn't the case. Obviously as above this is going to involve getting the right tech spec information from MB on paper.Having worked on many 124 series Benzes over the years I don't personally recall their being any permissable movement in bottom joints.I'd also recommend taking the car to someone who knows them well in the future if you want to avoid these hassles.