Why can't one use a regular spring compressor on mercedes?
 

I have a w126 420sel that squat in the rear. My question is above. It seems odd that the tools to do this cost 3x the cost of the parts.

John

rear suspension
 

Addendum,

Anyone has done it differently?

John

Make one
 

Thake a piece of 1/2" plate and cut 2 pieces 2" x (width of spring + 1"). Drill and tap one for 3/4" rod and drill a clearance hole in the other. Use a jam nut on the tapped one and a washer and nut on the other. You may have to compress the spring with a press or jack or something because it's really Hard to turn the nut and compress the spring. You don't really have to compress them too much. To take them off, install the tool with weight on the wheels and disconnect the shock and lower the wheel.

BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WORKING WITH SPRINGS.

Without a tool the springs can be a beast
 

Since the band saw blade broke and so did my patience, I replaced the front springs without any tool. The side with new lower A-arm bushings was not too tough. The arm went all the way down and the spring fit into the lower arm without slipping. I put a bar into the lower arm hole to prevent the spring from coming out (for safety). I then raised it with a jack and put the shock bolts on. It wasn’t too bad.

The side with “old” a-arm bushings was much more difficult because the A-arms are tightened only with weight on the wheels. The rubber holds the arm up and pushing it down to insert the spring took a lot of pressure. The spring held in the lower perch but not very well. Again, I put a bar into the lower arm hole to prevent the spring from coming out (for safety). It worked but I am still going to build the simple tool for future needs.

I met a Mercedes mechanic who has the Mercedes tool. He paid $1500. He said his friend bought an American made one for $900 and it broke after 10 uses. No conventional tool will work.

You can rent the spring compressor from performanceproducts for around $80 for (if I remember right) a 3 week rental period.

You can rent one from Autozone I think.

That might apply only to certain stores; the Autozone near my work told me they didn't have any plate-type spring compressor