Rolling the Dice on a Spring Compressor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

disqo · #1 08-30-2009, 01:35 PM

I am planning to rebuild my front end soon and decided to try and get a proper spring compressor after reading up on the process. I found this one on ebay and it seems to be the one I need and hopefully the real deal. I won't know for sure until it arrives, but I feel pretty good about it and I might even be able to help out other members after I am finished with it. What do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180399819510&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:MOTORS:1123

jt20 · #2 08-30-2009, 01:37 PM

I would say you rolled a 7 with that one.

jt20 · #3 08-30-2009, 01:47 PM

might want to look into the plate sizes though.. just in case.

disqo · #4 08-30-2009, 01:58 PM

I was concerned about the plate size, but the seller mentioned that it should be fine for vehicles with spring diameters under 5". I measured my springs and they seem to be about 4 and 1/2". I will be holding my breath though until the compressor arrives and I test fit the plates.
Thanks

Brian Carlton · #5 08-30-2009, 03:03 PM

The compressor will work fine.

lietuviai · #6 08-30-2009, 03:19 PM

I'd have concerns about using this tool on the front springs because of their length. Those springs are quite long and if tool only compresses the center you still have to deal with the uncompressed sections top and bottom when trying to remove the spring from its perch.
If you have access the FSM, section 32-200 shows the proper tool and the procedure to remove it.

Diesel911 · #7 08-31-2009, 01:20 AM

Info from a special tool site:

http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=202%20589%2001%2031%2000
I could not referance the plate part numbers but the seller said he used it on a W208
so it looks like it will work on a 123.
http://www.startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=202%20589%2013%2063%2000

babyjames · #8 08-31-2009, 02:23 AM

I've got the Chinese copy of that tool. Works GREAT! Front or rear. I did have to remove a little metal from the opening in the top of the spring tower to get the tool through. Hopefully with the Klann, you won't have to....

Jay.

Brian Carlton · #9 08-31-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I'd have concerns about using this tool on the front springs because of their length. Those springs are quite long and if tool only compresses the center you still have to deal with the uncompressed sections top and bottom when trying to remove the spring from its perch.
If you have access the FSM, section 32-200 shows the proper tool and the procedure to remove it.

The tool needs to compress seven coils until they are fully flattened against each other. With some careful setup, and the use of the full length of the tool, the task can be done. I recently had to reset the tool because I didn't quite get the full length available.

vstech · #10 08-31-2009, 09:24 AM

what are you rebuilding? the only two parts in the entire front end (aside from the springs themselves...) that need the springs compressed is the LCA bushing, and the outer bushing on the Guide rods.
I have heard it's MUCH easier with a spring compressor, so I envy you, but I successfully rebuilt the guide rods and both ball joints without a spring compressor.

disqo · #11 08-31-2009, 06:11 PM

I am planning to replace every bushing I can while I have things apart. I was hoping to find a set of vogtland springs before I get started, but it does not seem destined to happen. If I do come across a set though in the future the spring compressor should make installation a breeze.