W126 300 SE (1991): rear spring replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Roger Jones · #1 05-09-2008, 12:38 PM

I bought some rear springs off e-Bay a while ago in anticipation of a future need. Drove out yesterday and heard from the rear several new clunks and at least one "boyng", so I'm guessing one of the springs is shot.

I've checked around this forum, and opinion seems to be sharply divided about tackling this job without a spring compressor.

Checking around the Web, I found this:

[MBZ] w126 rear springs question -- followup

to which both respondents suggest no compressor is needed, specifically on the rears.

Can anyone else confirm that replacement of the rear springs can be done safely without a compressor? My mechanic, who has certainly replaced springs on at least one W124, thinks not.

I've checked on compressor prices, only to find that the Klann KL0021-K is $250 more expensive than MB's own special tools for the job, which are about $900 in total. I'm not very confident about finding a local (UK) source for hiring a model-specific compressor (the maintenance PDF shows special tools), but perhaps a universal tool will suffice.

crashone · #2 05-10-2008, 12:30 AM

You can replace the rear springs on a 126 without a spring compressor. I have done so a few times. You will need to raise the back of the car up after disconnecting the shock from inside the cabin.(now would be a good time to replace the rear shocks!!!), Disconnect the "Z" link. Remove the rear tire on the side you are working on (trying to remember all the steps, these are not neccasarily in order). You will have to remove the back seat to get to the upper shock mount. This is not a hard job, just kind of time consumming. Count on 3 to 4 hours to do both sides. While you ate there change the "Z" links out, they are plastic and will probably need changing by now. One thing I did find out is that a regular spring compressor will work on the rear springs and does make the job easier but not the front springs. Don't even attempt the front ones without the proper compressor!!!There are two (2) sway bar bushings above the Z links that are cheap enough to replace now also. Have fun work safe.