I'm getting ready to undertake the replacement of the front struts on my 1987 190D and I need some advice. I've reviewed the instructions in the chassis manual but I don't understand why compressing the springs is required. What I propose to do is to place a jack stand under the control arm once the wheel is off and then lower the vehicle body slightly onto another jack stand. It seems to me that this is perfectly safe since the control arm can't move any further even when the strut is removed. I plan to raise or lower the body slightly as required to get the strut in the proper location for rebolting into place.

Also, the rubber mounting pieces look good when inspected from above. Should I plan on replacing them anyway?

Am I missing something? Any other advice for this job?

Thanks,

__________________
Tom Savage
Vienna, WV
1984 300D Euro
1995 S320

savagetom,

I have successfully used that technique on my 1986 190E 2.3-16, and while some people will argue with the method, I had no problems. I would not hesitate to use it again, so I recommend you go for it. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

savagetom,

Replace the upper mounts while you've got the old struts out. Also get new rubber springs.

Jeff