Coil Spring Compressor- Best price?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dmorrison · #1 12-09-2002, 09:40 PM

I have done a complete search of the forum and I am looking for a coil spring compressor to rebuild my 1982 300TD and to have for my 1988 560SL. I know that the research leds me to want a Sir tool unit M0070 or a Hazet unit or a Klann unit.
My question is price.

As a Captain for American Airlines ( I fly domestic only). Quite a few of my friends fly to Europe. They have offered to pick up a unit for me.
For those in England. How much is the Sir tool M0070 locally?
For those of you in Germany how much is the Hazet unit, or for that matter the Mercedes unit.

The Sir tool here in the US is $600 US. That really makes purchasing the unit difficult to take. The rental from Performance Products is easier to swallow. but I do like to have my own tools.

I would be using the tool on my 1982 300TD (w123)
and my 1988 560Sl (w107)

any help you could give me would be appreciated.

Dave

#2 12-09-2002, 10:34 PM

why don't you just borrow it from AutoZone? They've got a pretty good tool loan program that I've used before and the best part is the cost.......$0.00!!

Dale

dmorrison · #3 12-10-2002, 02:01 AM

I have the autozone "special" that is whats used in the 65 mustang.

1 They are very difficult to use in the Mercedes springs.
2 They are very dangerous to use in the Mercedes spring.

The force of the Mercedes spring is quite high. As an Airline Pilot I won't compromise safety for a cheap fix. Its my life and livelyhood.

Had a Mercedes service technition tell me a story about a guy at a dealership he worked at. He was taking a spring off a 560SEL. the unit dropped, released, flew up and hit the car. it knocked the car off the lift on to the car next to it.
Thats a lot of force.

Dave

vince · #4 12-10-2002, 09:05 AM

Well, I don't know if I buy the story about knocking the car off the lift, BUT, the typical stud/hook spring compressors (both internal and external) simply do not work with 116/123/126 springs. The springs are quite long and soft, as springs go, so they need to be compressed close to three inches to install them. I have the standard compressors and when you get the spring compressed about two thirds of what is necessary, the compressor slips. Fortunately, the safety devices on most compressors prevent serious damage, but that just means you are less likely to get hurt. It doesn't help to get the spring installed. Buy the SIR or HAZET tool. It works so slick it is well worth the price.

pmizell · #5 12-10-2002, 02:12 PM

I agree that you use the proper tools for the job (in this case a "plate" compressor) or leave the job to someone else.

One mis-twang of a MB spring and it could literally take your head off.

I'm not familiar with any of those brands you mentioned, but I would imagine as long as they're of the plate compressor variety, it would be OK for the job.

Good luck

#6 12-10-2002, 02:38 PM

Check Harbor Freight Tools. I think they have a web page also. I think I saw a spring compressor tool similar to the MB's tool. They have several different ones. The usual disclaimer applies, I am not associated with Harbor Freight Tools in any way just as a consumer.

tvpierce · #7 12-10-2002, 03:08 PM

A note regarding safety:

When I was removing the springs on my 201, I made myself a "safety strap" by securing a chain through a coil in the spring, then around the control arm. It gave me a little peace of mind. I figure if something catastrophic were to happen, I can live without a hand or even an arm. But I've really grown accustom to my HEAD! (Although I have been accused of not using it!)

Can't be too careful.

Jeff Pierce