Hello All!

I'm in the process of replacing the coil springs and shocks.

I bought a spring compression tool by ZDMAK for about $200.00.

On the front coil springs the top of the tool doesn't fit down through the hole in the engine compartment. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm planning on trying to use a metal file to make the hole bigger so the tool will fit in it. I'm not sure if it will work but it's the only option I can think of.

Maybe somebody on here as some thoughts.

I haven't tried to use the tool on the rear springs yet. I wonder if I'll have the same problem back there....?

Thanks!

__________________


'85 Euro 300D - 258k 4 spd manual
'85 300TD Wagon - 180k - SOLD
Always looking

Yes, there has been some reports of the Aftermarket Coil Spring Compressors not fitting through that hole.
And, if you indend to use it the hole has to be enlarged.

Some where there are posts and threads on that.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

have you thought about using a different tool?

__________________
85 300D 3 pedal. Current project.
83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

I want to use a tool with the two discs so I can safely remove the springs.

I got this tool thinking it would work but it's just a hair too big, even though it's supposed to work on a w123.

Has anyone had an experience trying to enlarge the holes at the top of the coil springs?? I wonder if a metal file will be strong enough.....?

__________________


'85 Euro 300D - 258k 4 spd manual
'85 300TD Wagon - 180k - SOLD
Always looking

A good sharp round file will do the job. If you have a hole enlarging bit for a drill, you could use that

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Yes I had to enlarge the holes on my W123 300D... but you'll notice that it is only the lower - or inner bit of metal - that needs to be altered. I used a round file, but, other people have reported using a Dremmel...

After altering the hole don't forget to stick something like POR15 over the bare metal. (Stick some grease on it at the very least)

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

X2 as Army said.

I have the same compressor. It works in the 126 ok, because the hole is larger.
On the w123 it is the inner piece of sheet metal that causes the problem.

Start fileing it down, and use the big end of the shaft for a fit until it goes in with some wiggle room. then POR the edge to seal it good.
I used a rasp bit that fit into my 3/8 drill, and then finished up with a 1/2 round file to smooth it down.

It`s really a lot of fun at PNP with just a file .

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Has anyone ever notified the Tool Company about the problem and recieved a response from them?

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I have a rounded metal file that seems to be working...it's slow going but cheaper than buying a dremel. Hopefully I will have filed enough by tomorrow to install the new springs.

__________________


'85 Euro 300D - 258k 4 spd manual
'85 300TD Wagon - 180k - SOLD
Always looking

all 85 are the same vac, same as 84.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I used this die grinder from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-die-grinder-with-long-shaft-44141.html

It's around $30 and a few dollars for the bits or, if you have an air compressor, you can pick up the pneumatic version for aobut $10, I think.

Grind it out till you can slip it in, making sure the ground out diameter is a little bigger than the compressor shaft will make it easier on you when you go to remove it.

Once you have the shaft down in there, you'll need a long extension (or a couple connnected) to reach down in and wrench at it to tighten it up. Get as many coils between your plates as possible. The plates don't alway just slide right in either, sometimes you have to use mallet to band them in there.

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman