1994 C280 front control arm
 

Hi

Can a novice with a bunch of sockets and elementary auto experience (like, brakepads) buy a coil spring compressor and change the front lower driver's side control arm? I have taken off a couple of the bolts holding it on, no problem (the back bracket of the control arm is torn loose from the frame of the car, so there was no tension on that control arm connection)

Anybody wants to advise me by phone, great .. 707 226 1678

David

Assuming you have considerable respect for the ability of a spring to hurt you, its not a big deal. I like to advise people to use a piece of chain around the spring to contain it if something goes wrong.

The upper and lower joints are tapered fit. After loosening the nuts that hold them, a sharp rap from a good sized hammer on the female part will break it free. It goes without saying but try not to hit the threads.

With the spindle loose the shock is the only thing holding the lower arm keeping the spring in place. When breaking the upper joint taper free its good practice to keep the nut loosely on the threads. That way if the shock fails to hold the spring load the spring won't come flying out at you.