Who's replaced the rear springs on their w123, w116, or w126 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Capt Kirk · #1 03-11-2002, 09:00 PM

I have a problem.

I need to replace the springs in the rear on my 300D but the proper type of spring compressor Autozone rents is to big to fit (through the sides of the springs, and the hole that is suppose to support the MB style spring compressor)

MY question is what have y'all used if it wasn't the MB spring Compressor, or if it was, where'd you get it?

tcane · #2 03-12-2002, 11:10 AM

Capt Kirk:

A while back there was a thread in the Tech Forum by someone who bought the correct spring compressor for M-B suspension springs and he is willing to rent it for $85. Performance Products also rents the M-B spring compressor for the same price. Both want a security deposit equal to the cost of the tool - about $500.

Having replaced my rear springs using the PP tool, I can tell you it is the only tool (or one like it) that can do this job safely.

Good Luck!
Tom

Capt Kirk · #3 03-12-2002, 11:36 AM

PP rents the spring compressor???

I wasn't aware of that. Thx tcane.

leathermang · #4 03-12-2002, 11:52 AM

Capt K, why don't you wait to make any decisions until after Sunday,,,lets talk about it... I need to replace all mine also...Greg

#5 03-12-2002, 12:45 PM

I realize this pertains to front coil springs and not rear springs, but I thought I would let you guys know that when my Dad and I tackled the front end work on my wagon (which was upper and lower control arm bushings, track rod bushings and new shocks) my Dad fabricated a simple spring compressor that worked very well.

It consists of a 3/8" thick steel plate about 1 1/2" wide x 5-6" long (or just longer than the diameter of the coil spring). The plate has a 5/8" diameter coarse threaded hole in the center of it.

The plate is pushed in between the bottom 2 or 3 coils and a 5/8" diameter threaded rod is lowered thru the hole in body at top of spring until it threads into plate.

The top of the threaded rod projects above the hole in the body by about 2 1/2" inches. A large (3 1/2" to 4" dia.) fender washer is placed over the threaded rod and then a large nut to draw the bottom plate upwards.

This spring compressor worked well (and safely) as long as we used (2) 1 1/4" wide webbed nylon tie down straps to hold the spring in place - the straps were hooked to the other side of car and kept the springs from reacting while being put in
compression.

FYI,

Capt Kirk · #6 03-12-2002, 01:29 PM

Well I wasn't going to do it anytime some, probably in May so I can replace all the bushings and such (would have done it this week, but no spring compressor)

#7 03-12-2002, 07:14 PM

A coil spring compressor can be purchased from some vendors for
about $520. +/- which is designed especially for use to recoil
MB coil springs; it is not adviseable to use anything but the
proper equipment in this situation. MB coil springs are very
tightly positioned, especially the fronts and, this is a highly
dangerous repair frequently misjudged in its attempted difficulty.
Fatalities have been recorded from inept DIY'ers and for this
very repair item. This would be one item to gladly hand over to a
professional. That specialty tool can best be handled by a more
expertly trained tech whose experience is worthy to be paid for.

In an aside, why would any MB springs necessarily need to be replaced anyway? MB springs rarely, if ever, require replacement.

Not trying to unduly scare anyone here; however, think clearly
and exceedingly carefully when looking to work on this suspension component. When or if in doubt on the coil springs, do seek guidance from a variety of qualified MB mechanics.

#8 03-12-2002, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by D Norton
A coil spring compressor can be purchased from some vendors for
about $520. +/- When or if in doubt on the coil springs, do seek guidance from a variety of qualified MB mechanics.

Hi David--

I notice that you are called a "junior" member. How in the world is that possible?

leathermang · #9 03-12-2002, 09:47 PM

Well,, usually I don't get too upset about different opinions concerning machines... but David has strung together an amazing number of just plain wrong statements in one post.....
First,,,, MB Springs are not some magical metal..they are Spring steel like every other metal spring in the world and suffer the same fate at the same rate as any of those others... and if people checked the specs on alignments they would usually find they needed new springs ( or re arched ) on our 15 year old or more cars.
Spring compressors are just tools like any other and if made of comparable material in the same shape are interchangable with the overly expensive brand names.
Springs have the potential to be dangerous,,,but lets use common sense,,, not scare tactics to address them.....

Capt Kirk · #10 03-12-2002, 09:59 PM

you calling me inept?!?!?!?

R&Ring a spring is a very simple process, it's not something that needs to be handed over to a professional. I know darn right what needs to be addressed when it comes to handling Automotive springs.

Just because a tool is expensive does not mean it does something that is magical (although it is possible). Suspension components wear out, it's a known fact, thats why I have to go in and replace the spring.

Capt Kirk · #11 03-12-2002, 10:10 PM

well Bill a couple of us could all go in to buy a Spring Compressor from PP. Then we could rent it out to others, I know I could use it for the back and possibly while I'm at it the front (heck, if I had the tool why not?)

#12 03-13-2002, 02:01 PM

My 85 300SD is sitting low at the rear. Last week my mechanic said my sub-frame mount and diff mount are fine. But one the shock absorber is leaking and the spring is tired. Someone in this Forum has replaced the sub-frame mount, diff mount, springs and the new spring pads and the car is still sitting low. So he inserted the spring helper(rubber) between the springs without taking the spring out. Now the car is sitting at the right height. Yesterday I put the spring helper in mine in 15 minutes. The rear height is now restored. This weekend I will replace the shock absorbers.

wolfgang · #13 03-13-2002, 09:44 PM

you dont need a spring compressor just support the car and drop the 4 bolts holding the differential then replace the springs without tension case closed

Capt Kirk · #14 03-13-2002, 09:59 PM

That sounds like in theory it would work, but in real life practice would totally screw something over.

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