I replaced a set of rods/bushings on an 83 recently and there was no need to compress the springs. Just backed off the adjustment nut (measure length first for later readjustment)unbolted the rod and removed. Installed new ones in about 1 hour including new bushing in the lower control arm.
These rods are primarily for brake support. If your getting noise during non-braking times look at the upper ball joint it's notorious for coming apart beyond 200K if not maintained. And I do mean coming apart.
Have you tried lifting the front wheel off the ground and tried rocking the tire by holding the top and bottom? This sometimes help find slop in the upper control arm bushings/upper ball joint. Then with the tire only an couple inches off the ground put a bar or board under the tire and try to lift it slightly. If the lower ball joint is loose the tire will move and the lower control arm will stay put. This clearance is fairly small so you need to try this several times and listen for a popping that would tell you if the lower ball joint is loose. To check the tie rod ends/idler arm you can hold the tire front and back and and rock the tire front to back. If one side of the car appears looser then a tie rod/drag link or idler arm may be loose. To hone in on a failed component use a pair of water pump pliers (12" channellocks are my favorite) on the tie rods and rotate them front to back. You should expect resistance. If they move easily they are worn. You then use the pliers to compress the tie rod, one jaw on the threaded shaft and the other under the rod. If it compresses consider replacing.
Make sure to support the car with stands during the lift/inspection. You are not going to baby the tire when you move it and the car jack may slip. I hope this information is useful. Good luck.

Did you replace the guide rod and mount, or did you use the guide rod mount repair kit. If I ever get warm weather I'm going to swap mine out, but I can't choose between the guide rod mount or just the repair kit.

JCD

JCD, looking at the pictures of the parts and the manual in preparation for doing a front end rebuild, it looks to me that the repair kit is for the guide rod to lower control arm mounting point. Two rubbers and two beveled washers with a bolt. The other end of the guide rob holds the mount.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

The complete rod assembly was replaced using new components.

MBWerker,

An '83 what? I may have missed that. I need to replace the guide rod mounts on my '82 240D.

Oilslick