W123 Spring Compressor to cure Suspension Woes... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bengoshi2000 · #1 08-31-2011, 09:05 AM

So, based on the clunking noise I get when I apply the brakes (and doing a fair bit of research here and there) it would appear that Khan's LCA guide rod mount/s are shot... which means that the guide rod bushings in the LCAs are probably shot... and hell, by the time I'm that far in I might as well replace all LCA bushings. Problem: Lack of funds to pay my indy to do the work AND lack of the proper spring compressor to do the job properly/safely myself (not to mention a distinct fear of frakking around with suspension parts to begin with).

I'm also getting a knife edge on the inside AND outside of the tread on the front tires... so something is fubar with the toe (I'm thinking the LCAs are wobbling about due to the guide rod issues). Oddly enough, Khan tracks straight as an arrow on the interstate. Rear tires are wearing smooth and even. (Also, UCA's, steering dampener, front wheel bearings, front brakes and LBJ's were replaced by my indy back in March. Tires were replaced in January and have about 7,000 miles on them).

Before I start wallowing in too much w123 self-pity, I wanted to know if anyone in central NC has a proper spring compressor I could rent/borrow.

I wouldn't mind some expert help either... though I can only offer payment in food and beer...

(PS - I did check the tool rental thread... mods please move this thread if it's better suited there).

Diesel911 · #2 08-31-2011, 10:26 AM

I removed my Steering Dampener to Clean it off and never put it back on; and under any driving conditions have never missed it. In fact without it low speed tight turns are easier.
You might want to re-read the Tire Wear Symptoms. My faulty memory has me believeing that Tire Wear on the inside is the LCA Bushings and outside Tire Wear is the UCA Bushings.
Tool Rental Master Thread
Tool Rental Master Member List

Diesel911 · #3 08-31-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bengoshi2000

So, based on the clunking noise I get when I apply the brakes (and doing a fair bit of research here and there) it would appear that Khan's LCA guide rod mount/s are shot... which means that the guide rod bushings in the LCAs are probably shot... and hell, by the time I'm that far in I might as well replace all LCA bushings. Problem: Lack of funds to pay my indy to do the work AND lack of the proper spring compressor to do the job properly/safely myself (not to mention a distinct fear of frakking around with suspension parts to begin with).

I'm also getting a knife edge on the inside AND outside of the tread on the front tires... so something is fubar with the toe (I'm thinking the LCAs are wobbling about due to the guide rod issues). Oddly enough, Khan tracks straight as an arrow on the interstate. Rear tires are wearing smooth and even. (Also, UCA's, steering dampener, front wheel bearings, front brakes and LBJ's were replaced by my indy back in March. Tires were replaced in January and have about 7,000 miles on them).

Before I start wallowing in too much w123 self-pity, I wanted to know if anyone in central NC has a proper spring compressor I could rent/borrow.

I wouldn't mind some expert help either... though I can only offer payment in food and beer...

(PS - I did check the tool rental thread... mods please move this thread if it's better suited there).

Note for others. On some of the Clone type Spring Compressors the Hole that goes through the Upper Front Spring Perch needs to be enlarged for part of the Spring Compressor to pass throught.
With the real offical Klann Spring Compressor that is not needed.

vstech · #4 08-31-2011, 11:58 AM

I'm in piedmont NC, and have both the Klann and the Clone compressors on the rental thread...