Can you compress a spring w/cheap tool

[ashedd]

I need to remove the LCA from my w123 wagon. I thought I could use a cheap spring compressor... but is that not the case? I need to get this done tomorrow and that is not enough time to borrow a spring compressor from someone on the forum. I am replacing LCA bushings.

[pawoSD]

Do NOT use a cheap spring compressor on MB springs. If it fails, the spring can cut you in half when it comes flying at you.

LCA bushings are usually not a "super urgent" repair....why not wait, obtain the right tool, then do it properly? Better than risking death!!

[tankowner]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Do NOT use a cheap spring compressor on MB springs.

Could you please define what you mean by "cheap" spring compressor? What to avoid, what to buy? How are MB springs different? I am only asking in anticipation of having ot do this job in the future and would like to know for then. Thanks!

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by tankowner

Could you please define what you mean by "cheap" spring compressor? What to avoid, what to buy? How are MB springs different? I am only asking in anticipation of having ot do this job in the future and would like to know for then. Thanks!

The cheap compressors are the ones with the little teeth that crab the sides of the spring, and have a threaded rod....the springs will bend these rods, and potentially eject from the contraption. Causing disaster.

Cheap compressor:



This is the proper spring compressor kit. The shaft goes inside the spring, so it absorbs equal tension in a straight line, and has big flat plates to hold the coils. Vastly safer and more effective.

[Shorebilly]

There is much written regarding the use of "el cheapo" spring compressors....

SB

[kmaysob]

the above tool seems to be bent from uneven tightening

[tankowner]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

The cheap compressors are the ones with the little teeth that crab the sides of the spring, and have a threaded rod....

Thanks for the info!

[Diesel911]

My suggestion is that you find some one to give you a ride to work or barrow someones vehicle as the cheapy tools are not up to doing the front Springs.
I know because I tried; resulting in bent threaded rod on those tooles

TheHomemade spring compressor bellow looks safe and strong but it is a lot of stuff to round up by tomarrow.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/134474-homemade-spring-compressor-post987680.html

The one below is one I made after twisting up my cheap ones. The threaded rod goes throug the hole in the upper Spring Pearch, washers and an nut go on that end and you pull the sprign up into towards the Spring Pearch. However, you tighten the upper nut from under the hood but I found I neede a 1-1/16 Crows Foot to turn the nut as there was no room for a regular wrench.
I also made mine from 3/4 inch threaded Rod.

[Yak]

I tried to work on the LCA with a rental spring compressor from O'Reilly's and AutoZone. Both places rent two different kinds. I got the springs out easily enough using the outside-the-spring compressors since the other kinds would not fit between the coils.

I tried to re-install using the same method. The specific problems I ran into are:

1) the space inside the wheel well is limited and it's hard to compress enough coils to remove the spring. I also needed to carefully lower the hydraulic jack after the compressor was on in order to get the spring out. The flat-plate with the center spindle compressor lets you compress more coils so it's easier to work with. This is also important when you re-install so you can adjust the bottom coil correctly into the plate on the LCA.

2) You can't get a symmetric compression on either side of the spring due to other steering parts being in the way. Maybe 150 degrees instead of 180 degrees. I was lucky on the extraction that the compressors didn't slide. I was not so lucky on the attempted re-installation and one compressor slid around to the other side so I had a highly-compressed banana-shaped spring. I was very lucky that it didn't blow the compressor off or bend the screw.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by Yak

I was very lucky that it didn't blow the compressor off or bend the screw.

..........that's an understatement.........you probably would have been killed if that had occurred.


Use the proper tool.

[ashedd]

Ok I need one from a forum member. Brian I notice your name on the tool list. Is your compressor available?

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by ashedd

Ok I need one from a forum member. Brian I notice your name on the tool list. Is your compressor available?

I'm currently using it on the SD...........the ongoing front end project just never seems to end..........but it should be done sooon.............hopefully..........

[kmaysob]

i have successfully used this style on the front end a few times. now on the rear end i made my own using 3/8'' plate notched in the right places and a 5/8 allthread.

[Yak]

See this thread for fitment issues with the outside-the-spring tool. New '83 300CD..."I think it needs an alignment..."

You can't get symmetrical loading due to the wheel well wall to the front and the brake support arm to the rear.

Selecting and fitting the clamps to a specific coil is also a hassle. The upper clamp can't be too high on the spring since you need to slide the threaded rod through the upper clamp prior to threading it into the lower clamp.

And yes -- I realized I could have been killed when it slid and went "sproing" my re-install. The adrenaline dump wasn't fun, and the resulting stress of trying to safely decompress a loaded unstable spring wasn't fun. I had my wife on standby with the phone for a 911 call.

[tobybul]

Baum Tools 924-0231 spring compressor is the domestic version of the Klann tool for much less $$. Its the same one on eBay.

http://www.baumtools.com/pdf/MB_Suspension.pdf
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Suspension-Tools_W0QQitemZ110417664554QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item19b567da2a&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245