Recently started a round of work including front suspension.

Tried the cheap Ebay spring compression tool and could not get it to fit properly. Did some research and discovered that was to be expected due to control arm opening for tool insertion being to narrow in diameter.

Did some more reading and found the spring could be removed 'safely' by jacking the height up enough to allow control arm to point straight down after removing strut/shock nut and the tie rod connection. Just in case the jack failed I stood in front of the bumper and used a trolley jack to hold then lower the control arm.

I found a spring compression tool on ebay that is supposed to be identical to the Klann one used by Mercedes techs. Miller 9150 9151 9152 Crossfire Clamps Tool Set. It's on order but hasn't arrived yet.

Questions

Are the Klann spring compression plates easier to insert than the cheap ebay tool plates?

Has anyone had any problems using the Klann tool to remove/insert front springs on a W124?

Any tips on how to properly/successfully use it?

Sway / stabilizer bushings.

Found a few comments that the non Mercedes bushings would squeak sometimes due to lack of a Teflon liner to lubricate the bushing.

Does Lemforder or any other brand use that type of liner?