Trying to compile thoughts on coil spring compressors - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stretch · #1 12-18-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmcphee

I see a heavy duty spring compressor at Princess Auto (Canada), sale for $99, normally $150. A pair of tubular "jacks" that fit onto side of spring, with a centred screw in each to compress them. Various safety features to clamp the spring, prevent slip, etc. There's a third "arc" piece that I have no idea how'd to fit, and why?

Anyway I notice there's a rating on the box. Rated at 1200 lbs. I'd assume that's 1200 per pair of jacks put into action on one spring. So a spring pressure of 1200. I don't often see ratings like this for various compressors.

These ones are the best looking (solid) generic spring compressors, way more engineering to them than the simple "strut" compressor screws you see everywhere. I'll try to grab a picture.

Anybody comment on spring rating of pounds for a w124 diesel front spring?

Heavy Duty Coil Spring Compressor | Princess Auto

Here's a pix:

The third bit looks like it attaches to the little allen head bolts so you could fit the compressors parallel to each other.

I've tried a to remove w123 front springs with external spring compressors - I ended up using two sets => each set had three compressors. It was a pain in the arse and very dangerous. I would never be so cheap again! This is why I bought the cheapo knock off internal compressor.

On a W123 the front springs are much longer than the springs on most modern cars. They are also set close into the chassis making it very difficult to use external spring compressors. I'm not saying it isn't impossible - I'm just sure that I was pretty lucky not killing myself - I used to have lovely black shiny hair - now I look like a grey old fart. I lost my youthful looks using external spring compressors on W123 front springs.

zu! · #2 12-18-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

I used to have lovely black shiny hair - now I look like a grey old fart. I lost my youthful looks using external spring compressors on W123 front springs.

Absolutely the best post describing the follies of using the wrong tools.

That PA one looks really good though!!