any tricks to doing this?
does the rear subframe or trailing arm have to be removed?

thanks!
erik

my 300D is saggin in the rear, and i am also wondering how hard and how much it would cost to replace the springs. i will watch this thread.

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Grey '91 350SDL 214k Dad's car
Beige '81 240D 4 Speed 254k SOLD
Blue '82 300D 225k SOLD
White '95 E300D 46k SOLD
Blue '87 190D 2.5 Turbo 315k SOLD
Brown '80 240D 4 Speed 716k SOLD
Beige '80 300D N/A 119k SOLD
Blue '85 300D Model 186k T-Boned

A good inside the spring compressor.

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

I can't comment on the TD, because there might be some issues regarding the shocks. Randy would know.

On the sedan, it's quite straightforward.

1) Remove upper retaining nut and mount from rear shocks.

2) Raise vehicle and properly support on jack stands. You need to watch the rear brake hoses. Their slack may not be sufficient. In such a case, they must be removed.

3) Go under the vehicle and remove the shocks completely.

4) Use proper spring compressor to compress and remove spring.

5) Use proper spring compressor to install new spring.

6) Install shock lower mount.

7) Lower vehicle carefully (ensure that shock rod enters the body properly).

8) Install upper shock mount and retaining nuts.

I've got it down to 2 1/4 hours for both sides.............don't ask.

With a hand ratchet?

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

Yes, all hand tools.

Erik,
is there a reason for changing the spings?

Just wondering, beacuse I thought I needed them too, but I needed to repair my ride height adjusting valve instead.

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Dean

On the wagon, the SLS struts need to come out before removing the springs. You will need to pull the floor panel that's immediately behind the back seet in order to access the hydraulic connections to the struts and the fasteners that hold the top of the struts to the body. After that, spring removal is the same as the sedan.

Search in here for 'rear suspension, SLS, strut'...also, Dave Morrison (dmorrison) has contributed volumes on wagon suspension rebuilding. Search on his name for additional info.

Good luck.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

You are going to have to prove that to be true!
I have a set of springs here that need.......
It took me 5 hours to do both springs...this includes the time it took me to concede that I couldn't fine the location of the shock tops w/out the CD.

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

I've done the springs four times now on the SDL............for various reasons............trust me when I tell you that I can do it in 2 1/4 hours.

I can get the rear seat out in ten minutes and the nuts off within another ten minutes.

Once the vehicle is up in the air, each shock comes out in five minutes.

Once the shock is out, each spring comes out in 10 minutes.

Releasing the old spring, compressing the new spring and installing it takes 20 minutes per side.

The remainder of the time is spent getting it on and off jackstands and R & R the wheels.

Getting the rear seatback in place is a PITA and usually sucks up 15 minutes.

I agree - once you do this once or twice...or more....you can do it fairly quickly while still being safe...and all with hand tools...

good luck
be safe
Jake

I need both of you to come show me so I can time you.
So that we don't make it a total waste of time, I think we should replace the springs in my car!


I have no doubt you guys are changing them out so quickly...just impressed as it took me a lot longer!

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods

It took me well over four hours the first time...........struggling with the rear seat was the most difficult part of the deal............and learning the fine points of the spring compressor also sucked up time.

Everything is easier on the second............and third..........and fourth times.

Who can come show me how quickly they can change a ball joint?

I totally agree - the first time you have to figure everything out - the prep for us was a bit much as my dad designed and made his own spring compressor, and having him to help me is HUGE...such as in aligning and installing the seat back...and everything else

wrestling the spring - drivers side - out around the exhaust and such takes care at first to adjust to everything and be safe....

mine were out i think three times to set the ride height the way i wanted it after lowering it...the fronts twice - after it settled and changed height on me....

ball joints - cut them out
Jake