124 front shocks

[dufflespank]

Hello, I am considering doing the front shocks on my 1987 300D (w124). I've searched the forums and I haven't been able to find an answer to this question: Are the springs an issue when replacing shocks on the 124? Some say yes and others say no. What's the deal? Is it possible to replace the shocks without even jacking the car up?

[ds190]

The fronts are struts, not shocks, and front springs are an issue. It's a simple job: jack up car on one side at jack pad, remove wheel, use second jack under front control arm end to raise it up to unweight strut, unbolt strut, carefully lower second jack enough to get strut out, put new strut in, jack up control arm, replace new bolts, remove second jack, put wheel back on, lower car. Do the other side. Drive away happy. Before you start, check the condition of the strut mounts, and replace them if they are significantly cracked.

[dufflespank]

Is it okay to use the factory jack to bring up the side of the car? What should I use as a second jack for the control arm?

[dufflespank]

anybody?

[greasybenz]

Do not use the stock jack when doing a job like this. Its unstable since youll be moving parts around, the jack can move around as well and cause a nasty accident.

I say use a jack stand to keep the car up off the floor and steady.

Also the spring shouldnt be to much of an issue on both from and rear struts and shocks.

Easy job overall, good luck!

[dufflespank]

Okay, so I jack one side up, put up a jackstand to hold it up off the ground, then jack the control arm up to compress the spring, and then remove and replace the strut?