I have a '86 300E, the front strut dust boots need replacement as they are torn. The struts are good, I just wish to replace the boots. If I relieve spring pressure with a jack and remove the top mounting hardware can the boot be replaced without completely removing the strut. Also will I need the alignment checked afterwards.

The strut will have to be compressed to allow for a new boot to be installed..

No alignment needed unless you replace the upper mount.

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Thanks, I am going to try out the new tool service on this site for the spring compressor.

You don't need a spring compressor. You just need to support the car by the front subframe rails and then use a floor jack under the lower control arm to slowly let down the control arm. You may have to unbolt the strut from the upper part of the spindle but I think you will be able to change the boot without unbolting the strut from there.

Good luck,

The easiest and SAFEST way is to jack the front up under the cross member, then lower the front control arms onto jackstands. The weight of the car will ensure that the springs stay compressed.

Using a jack to hold the spring force is foolish and dangerous! The only thing that might knock the car off jackstands under the control arms is another massive object running into it or a big earthquake. A wheeled jack can slide out or slip.

Since the strut is a gas type you will have to compress it a bit to get it onto the pin on the knuckle, but I had no problem doing this by hand.

It's a very easy job. I also removed the upper strut mounts for a cleaning and inspection and mine were both like new. Also inspect the jounce bumper.

Duke

Whatever you say. I have done it this way so many times that I've lost count and it has worked great and I have had no incidents at all.

It does, however, require that you use good judgement in jack placement and fit of the jack head to the LCA. If you don't have a feel for such things, take it to a shop and pay someone to do it.

Actually when I start thinking about it, the thought of having jack stands placed under both LCA's sounds more dangerous. The reason I say that is that the angle of the LCA will change putting a side force on the jackstand. The jack stand has a relatively small base for it's height as opposed to a good floor jack with a short height and a long base. But, whatever you say. If you want to call me foolish, then I say, throw all the insults you wish.

Have a great day,