PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Help in removing front shocks from w124 parts car

gmercoleza · #2 10-04-2006, 10:47 AM

I just did shocks on my W126 a couple weeks ago, so it's still fresh in my mind (setup on the W124 is pretty similar).

The shock is what limits downward travel of the control arm, preventing it from lowering completely which would allow the spring to come out violently. You can lower the car onto jack stands as you described, no spring compressor needed. I actually used a second, smaller floor jack to hold up the control arm, with a jack stand placed under the brake rotor/hub protrusion as an added safety measure. Once you remove the shock absorber, you can definitely lower the car completely and prevent that spring from popping out, however I wouldn't recommend it - what are you going to do when you eventually have to move the car? Once you lower the car all the way, there is no way you will be able to get a shock absorber back in, since it has to go in through the hole underneath. And without a shock absorber installed, you pretty much have a booby trap on your hands. I would install your defective shock absorber after removal in order to minimize the risk.

EDIT: Actually it is the rear shocks that go in through a hole underneath, now that I think about it. You might be OK lowering the front of the vehicle completely down. Although I still wouldn't do it as it would make moving the vehicle difficult. I would install your defective shock and be done with it...