spring compressor question
 

Mercedes Klann Coil Spring Compressor Tool W123 W124 W201 W202 W203 W210 R129 | eBay


it says it works for the front springs for the w123 and w201
it says it works for the rear springs for the w201

so how do you remove the rear springs on the w123?

just unbolt the diff, and lower the control arms... negligible tension on the rear springs of any of the cars... 123 same.

that tool is missing the two larger plates for the rear springs, and it has 2 center tools and you only need one. weird item, I have a compressor that came with 4 plates and one center tool which I believe is the typical arrangement for these specific compressor tools. Looks like a mish mash of extra parts to me assembled to sell as a kit

On the W201/W124 you really don't need spring compressors to work on the back. The front of the W124 definitely needs it but the front of the W201 doesn't. The spring is short.

The Shocks need to come out first.

Remove the calipers and hang then on the sway bar. lessens the chance of stretching the brake hose.

Place floor jack under diff.

Remove the 4 13mm bolts at the diff mount to body.

Lower jack, and the springs just about fall out.

Charlie

that is the way the Klann kit comes. the large plates are available, and on both the 201 and the 124, when working with the subframe/spindle links, the short tool is needed to compress the rear springs prior to tightening the links in the horizontal position.
it is doable to set them without the compressor, but it requires lowering the entire subframe to get the axles in the horizontal position prior to torqueing.

It is a KLANN 0025 made for SPX/Miller Tools for use by the dealerships on the Chrysler Cross Fire cars. It doesn't have the Size #2 plates because that car has Size # 1 springs both front and rear. The short shaft compressor is designed for more modern cars with 5-link rear suspensions where a longer shaft compressor won't work. At one time Mercedes spec'd a tool adapter that was a ring shaped collar that slid over the compressor before the bottom plate and effectively shortened the compressor's working length but that tool adapter has been NLA for years.

That eBay seller is also forum member

A set of upper and lower Size # 2 plates will cost about 250-300 Euro, a short shaft compressor by itself is about 500 Euro for new replacement parts.

Interesting, good to know!