Be afraid ,be very afraid. Spring compressor failure ,no one hurt ,just their pride.
 

This is what happens when a coil spring compressor fails - Autoblog
Rent the right tool for mercdes 123 here from the rental program .

Yeah, except that that WAS the right spring compressor to use and they f'd it up....

That was the correct style, but the question is what brand was it? A generic clone? And how many times has that tool been used? Perhaps it has been over used. Not really sure in that number.


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I've seen this video before!

1) These guys didnt use it properly.

2) They didn't compress that spring nearly enough.

3) There was no need to take all the other parts out.

4) Really? You're going to man handle the spring compressor and beat up on it like that? Its only holding back oodles of stored energy that could possibly be deployed at you...

5) I really didn't see the spring compressor fail. They showed no shots of it in a "broken" state. So I cannot say the compressor failed because of metal fatigue or because they incorrectly used or, maybe it wasn't fully engaged..maybe the plates weren't fully locked...

I have one of the Klann Clones that you can get for $300 on eBay. I've used it on my 126 300SD and 124 300D. This week I'll be using it on my 126 420SEL.

Rule #1: Respect the compressor.
Rule #2: Triple check everything before compressing/decompressing.
Rule #3: Avoid aiming the compressed spring at your body.
Rule #4: Don't beat up on the thing!

I leant my Klann clone to my buddy to fix his 240D. He somehow used it to compress the spring and left it compressed and hanging in the chassis while he did hours of work below. Talk about the Sword of Damocles...

When they slowed the video down you could see a piece of shrapnel fly between both of them,close call .

The Dangers of Replacing Coil Springs on Your Vehicle - Full Clip - YouTube here is the full clip, starting at where it went wrong. Maybe they are using a cheap tool, I wouldn't be the expert, but this gives a bit more info on what went wrong.
For added safety, this would seem to be a good idea: How to compress a coil spring with ratchet straps - YouTube

They said it "fell off"....which means they didnt have it properly positioned or compressed. They might not have had the plates aligned properly. I did this the first time with my 124.

I had the spring at about the same level of compression that they did. I did not have the entire suspension torn apart, just the spring in its normal space, slightly compressed.

As I tightened down the compressor popped as the top plate released. Certainly scared the crap out of me! Never will make that mistake again.

soooo...i was thinking of getting the Klann clone on Ebay. Bad idea?

I've got one. No complaints here. Its good for our hobby useage but I would not buy one for daily use in a shop.

If the clone is similar to the one shown on post #7 and in this pic in which one of the plates has an open slot to slide the plate in sideways, run away!

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1369769902



You need this type with the plates closed to prevent it to slip out.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...1&d=1369769982



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I didn't even notice that it was that type...That's not the right tool at all then.

This is the one I bought:
Mercedes Benz Coil Spring Compressor Repair Tool Set Free Shipping | eBay

Yep, that is the safer designed clone.


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I have this same one, but got it off CL for $75 and never been used. :D

You still have to make double sure the lower plate is locked in good and tight with the three fingers on the Rod.

I believe Roy said these clone compressors are good for about 100 uses. so for us DIY selfers, not a problem.
Wish I could remember what thread I read that on.

Charlie

DITTO!

Even with the correct compressor, there were a multitude of mistakes in that video. "Professionals?" Egad!

NEVER, pry on a compressed spring. If you can't just lift it out, you don't have it compressed enough. (For better safety, compress it only slightly and tap it with a rubber mallet to make sure everything is seated on the compressor, BEFORE taking everything apart.)

Even the installation was a nightmare waiting to happen. Compressing the spring while resting the end against his thigh? Can we say broken femur? or possibly crippled for life?:eek:

Too bad they didn't use common sense and show the correct way the remove/install the spring.:mad: Personally, they should have either deleted that video and done it correctly or shown how to do it correctly at the end.