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I changed the front springs on my 1991 300CE over the weekend.
To do this job properly, you need the correct spring compressor tool, the type with the two disks and center post. I did not have this tool and the job was frustrating and took much longer than it should have. There are 2 types available for rent at the local AutoZone. The exterior type with 2 rods and 4 hooks would not work because the hooks were too big to get in between the coils. The second type with a center post, 2 hooks and spatula shaped plate did not work either. After threading the 2 hooks thru the spring you cannot flip up the second hook to engage the coil. The inside diameter of the coil was too narrow. I tried manipulating the hooks every which way on a new spring but there was no way to get both hooks on. I made do with a set from O'Reillys that had 2 pairs of hooks and a center rod. The hooks were a little bit thinner but most importantly, the hooks were removable. So to get them to work , remove one of the hooks from each pair and reassemble them inside the coil. Certainly a waste of time but your second spring goes much faster.
Here is how I did it. May or may not be the best way to do it. Comments and suggestions welcomed. As usual, all precautions apply. Work carefully around the spring and under the car.
Take a look the edge of the old spring seat/pad. There are a series of bumps. So get the right replacement pad.
1 bump = 8mm, 2 bumps =13mm, 3 bumps =18mm, and 4 bumps =23mm.
Put front of car on jackstands. Remove front wheels.
Reassemble the tool inside the coil, engage not 7 to 8 coils but 8 to 9 coils. Have the top and bottom hooks roughly aligned with each other. Compress until the spring lifts off the lower arm. Up on top, using a combination of a deep offset 7/8" box wrench and an allen holding the shock rod, remove shock nut.
There is a little give left when you press down on the disk/brake/lower arm that may be enough to pull out the spring. I had a hook and rope on the lower part of the spring and pulled while stepping on the brake disk and the spring popped out. Release old spring. Compress new spring. Again at least 8 to 9 coils. Align the top and bottom hooks in a straight line as possible. If the new spring starts to compress unevenly, and the rod is cocked at an angle rather than straight thru the center of the spring, stop and start over. What you are shooting for is a relatively evenly compressed spring. When one side of the spring is bulging, it is that much harder to get it in. Clean seat of lower arm, note where the coil seats. Screw on new pad. Install spring. Make sure the spring is correctly positioned and jack up the lower arm until you can secure the shock rod. Again hold the rod with allen while tightening the nut (60nm/44 ftlbs). Release spring compressor and you are done.
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