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  #16  
Old 08-09-2002, 12:33 AM
Blitzen Bob's Avatar
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 14
Most DIY projects do not have the potential to have such deadly consequences. Suspension repairs are a different story however.
Do NOT attempt DIY suspension work and spring removal without a very heavy duty spring compressor. I don't care if someone says they,ve removed 100 pairs of springs using the bolt or hook type compressor discussed here, the 101st pair may be the one with your name on it. Treat spring removal on any car as a loaded weapon that has a hair trigger. Now treat Mercedes front springs with ten times that respect.

The following is an excerpt that a friend of mine, a MB tech for 30 years, wrote for another list

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Because I am so enamoured with establishing perspective,
read the following and really think about it.

When I first came to town and started working as shop
foreman of a dealership I found a little package in the tool
room that made me a little nervous. Seems one of the
guys had compressed a front spring from a 450SE and
had forgotten to use ample anti-seize on the threads of
the compressor before he started. Most of us just use
air tools to run the compressor down, which he did also.
He didn't notice that the air wrench was no longer turning.
The nut that winds down the screw thread had galled onto
the screw thread and the spring was in full compression.

This means, there was no way to unwind the spring. It was
stuck tight as a toad. This compressed bomb was laying
on the floor in the tool room. I talked with the owner of the
dealership and he OK'd my getting rid of it anyway possible.
This was just too serious a problem to handle unofficially. I
called the Bomb Squad. They came down and looked
at the problem item. So, here are guys who were used to
blowing up shrapnel filled pipe bombs and this is what they
said.

They had no means of disposing of this compressed spring.
They said if they blew it up, they thought there would be
shrapnel for miles around. They suggested we bury it in
a manner that would never allow it to be dug up. About a year
after I left the dealership, they built a new building and that
spring and compressor are buried deeply in the foundation
of that building. Sorta the Jimmy Hoffa of the MB special
tool world. It was the only way to get rid of it.

Yes, we do springs in a matter of fact way, every day. We
just hook up the compressor's and take them out. It's part
of the occupational risk. We get paid to do it. Do you think
we like to R&R spings....No way. It is the most dangerous
part of being a mechanic. I don't know about those flimsy
little springs on American cars, but I can tell you that the
springs on a Benz are the stoutest coils of spring steel
you will ever see and they are the longest you will ever
see which means that when they are compressed to coil
bind to remove them, the energy is up into the kilotons..
It is a small mushroom cloud waiting to happen.

Treat coiled springs as if they were hot nitroglycerin and you
will survive just fine..

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thanks for letting me vent. This is a serious subject for me.

Blitzen Bob

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  #17  
Old 08-09-2002, 03:16 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,473
im 19, i have had a spring blow up right infront of me. It was on the strut type honda accord strut/spring deal. I have the correct spring compressors for that. They spun around and exploded infront of me because they spun around. You have to be so careful with springs. I am looking for a mercedes spring compressor because I am going to lower like four cars here pretty soon. I think it is worth the safety, but 1400 for a kid, is kind of a lot. I think that I would pay 4-5 and charge my friends to use it to recover the tool costs. If anyone wants to sell their authentic mercedes compressor let me know.

You have no idea how strong those mercedes coils are. Think about it, the car weights at least 4000 lbs, that means each spring has to hold up 1000 lbs unsprung, so those springs can probably handle shocks of 2000 lbs or more, so I wouldnt mess with them. Be careful with springs and shocks, they are dangerous. They are under a lot of pressure caused by their loads. I have had a shock crush my hand in a friends honda...It really hurts. If mercedes recommends a special tool and you dont have the money for it, maybe yo ushould take it to a place that specializes in mercedes that can fix it or make them yourself. I have made like ten mercedes tools already because I have access to a machine shop, and a car lift, but those of you that dont...be careful.

If that spring is still around, I would cement the spring and the tool. Then throw it away.
__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.
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  #18  
Old 08-09-2002, 03:39 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: oregon
Posts: 2,013
Amen Bob, strong words save lives with 8000+ members you might have just saved a life or a terrible injury. I have been working on cars for fourty years and have done many thinks not in the books to get the job done,a few things I have learned are you can not over support a car that you are working under,to go back and double check all bolts or nuts that have anything to do with brakes or suppension(steering)to be real carefull with a torch or welder (take that gas tank out if you got to weld or cut near it I know it's a big hassel)and don't mess with Mercedes Benz springs unless you have the right tool and then don't do it.........
William Rogers...
74 240 D
81 SD
86 Euro 500SE
81 2wd K5 Blazer 454 powered frame up project
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  #19  
Old 08-09-2002, 07:52 AM
1992300e
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Posts: n/a
You guys are right

As I mentioned earlier on, as a Mercedes novice I did not approach this project with the right frame of mind. Being 35 years old (Monday was my birthday, which I almost missed when I took the spring out without a compressor) and having worked on many cars and other mechanical things (raced motocross for 6 years) I have never run into something as directly potentially deadly as a Mercedes coil spring.

These things should come with warning labels.

Bottom line, I would never fudge a project like this again!! As stated time and again in this thread, this is no place to fudge on tools.

I take back everything I said about using the free rental tool.

Not too proud to walk away with my tail between my legs. I got lucky.

Would definately get my hands on the correct tool next time.

It's Friday, just got to get through today and then two blissfull days as a gararge trole. And tomorrow is car auction day, like being a kid in a candy store.

Joel
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  #20  
Old 08-09-2002, 07:58 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,473
I am glad you have come to that realization. I am glad that you werent hurt. I was hurt, but not forever, which I am thankful for that. Currently I am looking for the right one. I just wonder why the mercedes one is so expensive. Maybe they dont want DIY people do work on something so powerful, because those springs are extremely dangerous
__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.
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  #21  
Old 08-09-2002, 10:00 AM
1992300e
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Posts: n/a
Omegabenz

I noticed in your post you are into lowering cars.

Any suggestions on where I can find a set of springs to lower my car, 1992 300e? I am thinking about lowering and leveling the car, only slightly, maybe and inch or so.

How much would a set of 4 typically run?

thanks,
Joel
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  #22  
Old 08-09-2002, 10:04 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,473
Eibach springs are about 250 or so for a set of four.

Both of my brothers have W124s, so we are going to lower those, then buy the pads to get the ride where we want it. I could look into getting a bulk discount if you want. Where are you located, you can email me?
Amcleod11@yahoo.com
__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.
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  #23  
Old 08-09-2002, 11:32 AM
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Join Date: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,638
Do a GOOGLE search for Mercedes spring compressor made by Klann.

A month ago I found a source for the correct plate/type compressor for approx. $800.

Note- Klann makes a "universal compressor" but doesn't recommend it for Mercedes springs.

http://www.samstagsales.com/klann.htm

Here's the links:
http://www.themotoringshop.com/products/springsafetydevice.htm

http://www.southernscope.com/Tools%20for%20Changing%20Springs%20and%20Shock%20Absorbers.htm

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Last edited by ke6dcj; 08-09-2002 at 11:40 AM.
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  #24  
Old 08-09-2002, 11:38 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,473
Its 265 for a set of four eibach springs with tax and all here in AZ.
__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.
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  #25  
Old 08-09-2002, 11:49 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,473
I checked it out, thanks neil. I found it cheapest for 695 at....
http://www.baumtools.com/english/specialtools.cfm?mk=MERCEDES

Item # 924-0231 it looks the same case, etc. I think its the one.
__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.
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  #26  
Old 08-10-2002, 08:05 AM
1992300e
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Posts: n/a
level

Hi Omegabenz,

Will the springs level my car? How much of a reduction in ride height would I see. I am looking for only a subtle reduction in ride height, moreover I am looking to level the ride out. Heard that will improve handling.

thanks,
Joel
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  #27  
Old 08-10-2002, 11:25 AM
tvpierce's Avatar
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Portland, ME
Posts: 612
Joel,

First off, thanks for the insight into re-installing my front suspension. Everything's back together, and back on the road.

As far as leveling your car: if you're not after the "lowered" look, you might want to consider getting different size (height) spring pads. I know on my car ('92 190E) you can make slight ride-height adjustments this way. (its my understanding that the purpose for the different height pads is to compensate for added or reduced weight due to optional equipment that some cars have, and others don't.)

Either way though, you're gonna have to take the springs off again. I assume you'll be renting the tool this time???

Jeff Pierce
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Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F
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  #28  
Old 08-10-2002, 12:19 PM
haasman's Avatar
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 3,097
Actually, not take the springs off .... but leave in car and compress them so the tops that have the spring collars are fully exposed.

Even with a spring compressor I don't use my hand to get a hold of the collars.

J
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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)
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  #29  
Old 08-10-2002, 04:44 PM
1992300e
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Posts: n/a
Spring pads?

Hi,

Not sure what is meant by spring pads? I don't see anything like that on my car. All I have is spring mounts, and rubber collar that threads onto top of spring. Does not seem like a pad though and is not very think at all.

thanks,
Joel
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  #30  
Old 08-10-2002, 08:44 PM
tvpierce's Avatar
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Portland, ME
Posts: 612
Spring pads

Joel,

Yes, the rubber collar (it's like a cup on the top of the spring). I've always heard them referred to as "spring pads", but Fastlane on this site calls them "spring shims". In any event, they come in 8mm, 13mm, 18mm, and 23mm sizes for the front.
So the difference between the largest and smallest is only 15mm (about 5/8"). The variable are 1) What size are your current shims/pads? 2) Would the subtle change provided by shims/pads be sufficient for what you're trying to do? 3) Which way are you trying to go with the front? (up or down)

Jeff Pierce

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Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F
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