Just to clarify: The first time I did this I used the homemade spring compressor to compress the spring. Then, DUH, I figured out that I could use the floor jack AND the compressor. When I did just the one seal a week or so ago, it probably took me 3 or 4 hours total (including beer breaks!). MOST of the time I spent originally was getting 40+ years of gunk removed from the suspension, wheel, and fender well. Also, when I did it last, I had gotten good at using the jack/compressor. But please, for about $5 you can build a spring compressor - don't try and do this without some kind of safety device. These things BITE.

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Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)