I found a euro 500se with aftermarket springs in the junkyard. i have the fronts, and i want to go get the rears too. I have the spring compressor, but any tips for getting them off easily?

EASILY ? No.....and you really need to be careful working on any springs or things attached to them...
RLEO told about misjudging what was going on at the rear of his and almost clamped his hand to the floor... and did not have his cell in his pocket... could have really been bad...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I think whunter posted a rear spring how to... Yup, he did: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000).

Tesla Model 3. 136,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

I gave this a try but it was impossible so i bought some after market MB spring compressors on ebay for $190 and then the job was easy.

Remove the shocks, if you haven't. Cut the lines to the rear calipers, cut the swaybar links (or play nice and remove these items). Remove the four bolts holding the differential mount to the rear crossmember WHILE SUPPORTING THE DIFFERENTIAL! Lower the differential. Catch the springs before they hit the ground.

Jay

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

The Rear Springs on a 123 can be handled with the Strut Type Spring Compressors (I did this but with cheapie Harbor Fraight ones) that you can free rent from AutoZone. So I am guessing it is the same with the 126 ones.
Unlike the Front springs that must be 3-5 times stronger than a Gassers the Rears seem to be of a comparable strangth to any other Car about the same size as a Mercedes.

Later I found out that with a 123 if you let the rear Trailing Arm Drop low enough you can simply pull the spring out. That might also be the same n a 126.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

If you have the proper MB spring compressor, I don't see how it can get much simpler than that. Remove the shocks, install the compressor, crank it down and ease them out. Just remember to set the compressor plate spacing to where you can remove it from the spring.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I own a Klann copy, and if I were changing/removing the springs on both sides, I'd still do the differential-drop method. Spring compressors - no matter how good - are scary.

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

I have removed several set of rear springs w/o a compressor. as Babyjames said. remove the shocks first..
I would remove the top of the shock first, the the lower 2 17mm bolts. then lower the shock and slide it out of the spring. cut the brake hoses to the caliper, and unbolt the trailing arm link. this will allow the assembly to drop down further.

You will still have the spring tention on the trailing arms. nothing like the front springs.

It would be best to have a jack under the differential when removing the 4 13mm bolts that bolts the Diff mount to the body. then lower the jack, and as the sub frame assembly lowers down the springs will just fall out.

with out a jack, place a couple wheels under the differential to catch it, it will drop down rather fast. at least keep you head out of the way.

most of the PNP type JY around here don`t allow jacks. someone could get hurt.

the first springs I removed was by accident. someone had removed the shocks. I had a jack (top secret how I got it into the yard) to hold the diff. as I lowered it, the springs fell out. this was on a 85 380SE.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works