removal of compensator spring W113

[Bob G]

How do I remove the compensator spring on the rear axle and reinstall it on my 1968 280SLwith out forcing anything. I had a mechanic do this job but he scratched up the spring by using wire to tie the spring and coil it up. I was upset when I saw this and want to replace the spring properly.
I also got a tool cataloge from tool aid in Newark New Jersey that list a couple of coil spring compression tools. I just do not know what deminsions and specifications to give Tool Aid so they can check for me iif one of their tools would work.
I know the Mercedes Benz tool is not availible any more and there must be a system that good restorers and mechanics use for this job.
I hope to hear from some of you experts.

Thank You for your time
Bob Geco
thanks guys for the conversation. but I need answers to my orginal questions and some instruction.

[300SDog]

Suspension work is beefy stuff that requires crowbars, impact drivers, hammers and sledges. Are you sure you want to reset the swing axle coil just because the paint on the spring is scratched?

Better yet - take the car out and slam into corners, really lean on it and beat it up. Sports cars always perform best if driven hard. And this helps set the suspension right.

Dunno why everybody thinks the Pagoda 113 is a delicate and fragile car. 280SL set the Daytona 24 hr record averaging speeds at/near 100mph in its day, beating Porches and Ferraris for high speed endurance over extended period of time.

[JMela]

I pulled the compensator spring out of my 108 and replaced it with a hydrocompensator. This was accomplished with a AutoZone 'loaner' spring compressor, which had a cracked jaw noticed after the job's completion - great. This unit was not substantial enough for the MB spring, two would have made the project much easier. Not the brightest decision to attempt this by myself with substandard tools.

With the spring compressed, it's easily removed by undoing the surrounding hardware. Use extra care with the compressed spring.

[Karsten]

It is fairly easy to do using a threaded rod which goes into the hole in the spring cup. A couple of bars with a hole that fits the threaded rod and a couple of nuts enables you to clamp the spring easily.

Karsten

[autozen]

He scratched your spring? Oh my god, that is horrible. I would never let a mechanic who scrathes springs touch my car. Did you report him to the Better Business Bureau for shoddy work?

[autozen]

To answer the original question, you do not need a spring compressor. You install the bracket using only one bolt. I haven't done it in so long I can't remember which bolt, but it is important that you choose the correct hole. While performing the procedure, it becomes obvious which hole to use. Snug but don't tighten the bolt. Insert the spring and with the proper pry bar inserted through the bracket, rotate the bracket into place until you can install the other bolt. There are some risks involved with this procedure, however. You run the risk of scratching the paint on the bracket.

[toms]

Hi Bob,

I know how much you care for this car (which if I remember correctly, you inherited from your father and rode in this car as a child). My car does not have the heritage that your car has, and I would be really upset if the mechanic scratched the paint...which means ensuing rust and an ugly under carriage.

I have never installed the spring, but I watched my mechanic do it (to ensure he did not scratch it-seriously). He did it without a spring compressor but I am with you-better to get a compressor that will fit. Sorry I don't know one that will fit but I imagine that you can get one that is close enough to the size of the coils to work.

Best Regards,

Tom