When I replaced the LCA bushings and ball joints on my 560SL, I rented the Klann compressor. But only after renting, I was not able to make it work...

Instead, I used the J-hook like the picture purchased from NAPA; however, I did not fully remove remove the springs. I just hooked the top of the spring and compressed it a bit down against the LCA.

I used this same technique on a 108, and then used a floor jack to fully remove the string per the MB factory manual.

For ball joint replacement, you don't actually need to compress the spring as you can put a jack under the low control arm.

__________________
as ever
Paul

1989 560SL
1987 300SDL
1987 300TD
1983 BMW 633CSi
1972 280SE 4.5