Front Right Upper Control Arm with Ball Joint - Direct Fit Replacement

Our review of this front right upper control arm with ball joint finds it is aimed squarely at owners of late 1990s and early 2000s Mercedes M-Class models who need a direct-fit replacement. The bottom line: it replaces the passenger side upper control arm with a pre-assembled unit that closely matches original equipment, saving installation time and reducing guesswork. For drivers who value a straightforward swap and solid fitment across ML320, ML350, ML430, ML500 and ML55 AMG model years, this control arm is a practical choice.

Key Features

• Direct-fit design: Pre-assembled to match the original upper control arm geometry and reduce the need for modifications at installation.
• Aluminum construction: A lighter-weight material that offers corrosion resistance while maintaining the structural form needed for steering and suspension alignment.
• Pre-mounted ball joint: Supplied with the ball joint installed so the assembly is ready to install and cuts mechanical prep time.
• Multiple reference numbers: Supplied with a wide range of cross-reference numbers for easier identification and compatibility checks.
• Bushings included: Comes with bushings fitted to restore suspension mounting points without sourcing additional parts.

Who It's For

This part is best for owners or mechanics working on compatible Mercedes-Benz ML models from 1998 through 2005 who want a direct replacement for a worn or damaged passenger-side upper control arm. It is especially useful when the goal is to restore correct suspension geometry quickly with a component that is pre-assembled and ready to bolt in.

Drivers looking for a fully serviceable, greaseable ball joint or an adjustable aftermarket performance arm should look elsewhere, since this part is supplied as a non-adjustable, non-greaseable direct-fit replacement. Also consider professional installation if alignment and press-fit removal are unfamiliar tasks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Direct-fit unit simplifies installation and reduces install time compared with rebuilding an arm.
• Aluminum construction helps resist corrosion while matching OE form for correct handling.
• Includes bushings and pre-mounted ball joint so fewer additional parts are needed.
• Broad cross-reference listing makes confirming fitment easier when matching original numbers.

Cons

• Ball joint is not greaseable and some customers have reported ball joint damage under certain conditions.
• Not adjustable, so professional alignment after installation is required to ensure proper tracking.

Specifications

Position	Front Right / Passenger Side Upper
Compatible Models	1998-03 ML320; 2003-05 ML350; 1999-01 ML430; 2002-05 ML500; 2000-03 ML55 AMG
Material	Aluminum
Ball Joint Mounting	Machined, pre-mounted
Greaseable	No
Adjustable	No
Bushings Included	Yes

Our Verdict

This front right upper control arm is a sensible value for Mercedes M-Class owners who need a direct-fit, pre-assembled replacement that aligns with original specifications. It saves time at installation and restores proper mounting points, but buyers should be aware the ball joint is not greaseable and a careful inspection after installation is recommended to watch for premature wear. Overall, it is a good option when matched to the listed model years and used with a proper alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this control arm fit my ML350?
It fits ML350 models from 2003 to 2005; verify year and passenger-side position before purchase.

Is the ball joint serviceable or greaseable?
The ball joint is pre-mounted and the assembly is not greaseable, so it is not designed for periodic greasing.

Are additional bushings required?
No, bushings are included with the control arm so no separate bushing purchase is typically needed.