Heeelp!

[benchracer]

Rebuilding the front end on my wagon and I'm replacing nearly everything. Thought I was a smart and managed to release and remove the coil spring with just the floor jack and one of those cheap external-type spring compressors. Now I can't get the spring back in! I thought as a last resort, I could rent the proper spring compressor from Performance Products(nothing wrong w/ Mercedesshop, it's just that Perf. Prods. is local - no mail ordering hassles), but they won't have the tool available for 3 more weeks! This is my daily driver. Does anyone have one of these tools in the L.A. area? Please don't make me beg.

[dsmess]

Do a search....there was a guy on here who had one to rent.
'Spring Compressor' , 'rent', or 'rental' should work.

I'm glad you abandoned the cheap outer type tool. These things are dangerous as hell!....from one who had a very close call.

[benchracer]

Thanks for the info DS. While I was waiting for a reply, I went back out for another try and finally got it done. I only needed the spring compressed about 3 inches and was able to do so with a cheap internal compressor(has the hooks like the external type). Got the spring compressed just enough and was able to press it into the base using my foot. High tech stuff! It worked though, and I'll finish the front-end rebuild in the morning.

I've replaced nearly every bushing, ball joint and fitting possible on the front-end. All the parts are after-market, so we'll see how they hold up. Oh yeah, I had to have my machinist press in the lower ball joints, and as soon as he saw the after-market ball joints(brand was Alumax) I brought in, he said they wouldn't work. I insisted he try anyway and sure enough, the one he tried failed. He ordered the OEM parts and they worked. He's been in business for over 25 years and runs the shop with just himself and his son, and I've been doing business with him for over 10 years, so I trust his judgment. Makes me wonder about the rest of the parts I bought. They're all German afermarket - Meyle and Bilstein(replaced the shocks too). I know Bilstein has a good reputation, has anyone heard of Meyle?