83 300D Rear Springs - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 01-27-2006, 10:49 AM

I am starting my spring list of chores. My 83 300D rear is sagging a bit and I would like to replace the springs and shocks along with new front shocks (springs seem OK). I am looking for a description of how to do the rear springs without removing the top of my head. I will get/borrow the MB spring compression tool. What other parts should I look for? Perches for the springs, spacers? I'm most interested in trying to understand a bit better what I'm getting myself into here.
On a cheapo note, are there any kind of helper bits that I might be able to use to help level the car out without going through this spring replacement.
I did search but didn't see quite what I need to know.
Thanks all.

signalredcoupe · #2 01-27-2006, 11:20 AM

First off, I'm sure there are others with more experience with this than me. I'll be the first though-The springs have rubber buffers above them that come in three difference thicknesses if you think you need to adjust the height. The spring compressor should make the job much easier. I just got through with an entire subframe/differential change without one. It can be done, but I wouldn't want to repeat it. While the springs are out, I would check where they sit in the control arms. This area tends to collect debris that can rot out the arms, & cause major trouble. Paul central FL
'84 300CD 290,000

sokoloff · #3 01-27-2006, 11:46 AM

Rich - have you replaced the rear subframe mounts and rear differential mount? That and maybe the shocks might be all you need.. I've still got the original springs on mine with no noticeable sag. If you do remove the springs, please be careful and use the proper compressor. Those springs can be deadly.

Len
'83 240D 345,000 miles original owner

dannym · #4 01-27-2006, 12:06 PM

I would be wary of replacing the springs. There are a lot of posts on this subject including this one here

One of our senior members even went so far as to have them shipped out and tested.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=590123

Danny

rmmagow · #5 01-27-2006, 02:02 PM

Hi Len and thanks. I'll try that first. I think the diff mount is OK, I did do axles on the car last spring. The bushings haven't been done. I'll do that and shocks first. Those springs do scare me a bit. I had a lot of trouble doing the struts on another of my cars and could see how dangerous even they can be if you do something stupid.

Brian Carlton · #6 01-27-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

Those springs do scare me a bit. I had a lot of trouble doing the struts on another of my cars and could see how dangerous even they can be if you do something stupid.

The springs are a three hour job if you have the right compressor.

The procedure is as follows:

1) Remove the back seat (on a W126........W123 similar??) and take the nuts off the shock towers so the shocks can slide out of the body.

2) Jack the vehicle reasonably high (18" under the diff) and block it. CAUTION: Watch the rear brake lines. Without the shocks as a stop, the lines may not have enough slack. If so, you'll have to remove the brake lines before continuing with jacking it up. The trailing arms will stop on the subframe.

3) Remove the shocks..........two cap screws under each shock and they drop out from below........provided that the vehicle is high enough.

4) Install the spring compressor and remove the springs. It's not a big deal and it takes no more than ten minutes for each spring at this point.

5) There is a rubber pad at the top of the spring. You can replace it if you wish, however, the SDL's pads were fine.......even after 18 years.

6) Installation is the reverse of the removal.

There really is no danger when using the proper compressor for the springs.