Preferred coil spring compressor ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim's500E · #1 01-07-2003, 08:52 AM

Which one do you Techs like the best and is the easiest to use on a W124 (500E)? We have borrowed an MB one with part number 202 589 01 31 00 (w/instructions for a 94' E420) but it looks like it'll be a royal pain to use...any other suggestions? Thanks much.

md21722 · #2 01-07-2003, 03:26 PM

I've got a KLANN KL-0025 that's star marked and w/ part numbers that match the 124 shop manual. I'm not a professional mechanic, but have used it many times while fixing my 124 suspension. Have no problems, much nicer than the worn Sir Tools that I borrowed before.

KWiK · #3 01-07-2003, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by md21722
I've got a KLANN KL-0025...

If you don't mind, where did you get your Klann spring compressor and what did it cost? Also, have you used it for the rear springs?

md21722 · #4 01-08-2003, 12:24 AM

The Motoring Shop in Orlando, FL. I think www.themotoringshop.com is the link, its $750.

md21722 · #5 01-08-2003, 09:00 AM

KWik,

I've used it for front & rear. The rear springs are such that one side of the control arm must be removed in order to remove and reinstall the spring. This is per the shop manual & my experience.

Brian

Jim's500E · #6 01-08-2003, 12:05 PM

Thanx men...I'm getting another tool from an autobody shop and I think the dude said it was a Klann....it is smaller and shorter than the MB one with 2 different size plates. Is your Klann similar?

Wish us luck !!

md21722 · #7 01-08-2003, 12:19 PM

I think there are two revs for the MB dealer tools, one is longer tha the other. Mine is the short one. It has two plate sizes, the smaller are for the 124/201 & the larger for the 123/126.

Jim's500E · #8 01-08-2003, 12:58 PM

Thanx much Brian

The shorter tool looks like it'll be easier...and thanks for the heads up on disconnecting the rear control arm...we thought we had to take apart something back there to get it done....(we don't have a shop manual...only several sheets decribing how its done on a 94' E420, which, of course, I haven't read thru yet)

Isn't it crazy how expensive these darn tools cost?..the MB tool I first described was basically a long threaded rod with a couple of retangular metal plates...jeez, I'm in the wrong business !

ke6dcj · #9 01-08-2003, 01:15 PM

Low volume and a very HIGH-END piece of tooling (I believe everything is forged on the Klann) mean *EXPENSIVE*.

Considering how much force this tool has to safely compress, hold, and release, it's a marvel. It is much more than just a rod: forged screwdrive; forged telescoping unit with anti-slip and locking keyes for different types of forged anti-slip coil-spring plates.

BTW- be sure to inspect & clean the threads, and put on FRESH anti-seize compound on the threads. I like to work the entire mechanism through its entire range of movement to get the compound everywhere. Also, NEVER use an impact or electric tool to turn the nut.

Stu Ritter (MB Club Tech. Editor & 30+ year MB tech) has told the story of a new tech who (1) did not add anti-seize and when he went to release it was just frozen. You didn't dare use an impact gun to release it for fear of unleashing the power of an S-class spring.

They called in the local bomb-disposal unit, and they recommended encasing it in 5-yards of reinforced concrete. Since a new foundation was being poured, they sunk the tool & spring into it.

Be careful out there.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Jim's500E · #10 01-21-2003, 09:35 AM

Thanx for everyone's feedback....the Klann tool is awesome and worth every penny!! (as opposed to the OEM tool).

Simple to use and not even needed on the rears...just 3 bolts to undo and the lower arm just falls away with the spring.

2 guys did all 4 500E springs in about an hour with floor jacks and hand tools. So easy that I'm thinking of getting the whole range of spring pads and playing with the ride heights.

KWiK · #11 01-22-2003, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by md21722
KWik,
I've used it for front & rear. The rear springs are such that one side of the control arm must be removed in order to remove and reinstall the spring. This is per the shop manual & my experience.

Brian

That's a bummer, I was hoping that a tool was available so that I wouldn't need to detach the control arm.

Jim's500E · #12 01-22-2003, 08:42 AM

Kwik...if you have a W124...just undo the 3 bolts on the rear control arm and it'll swing down and the spring will basically fall out (as you lower the jack slowly which should be placed under the rear lower control arm)....it was that simple.

The spring is kinda up in the body a bit and it didn't appear like it could be compressed enough to get it out w/o taking it apart down low and moving the shock/hydro-strut a bit out of the way...at least that was our take on it on the W124 500E.