Where can I purchase a coil spring compressor that will work on my Mercedes-Benz for a reasonable price? I know the spring compressor looks like the one at this URL

http://www.********.com/sirtools/mb/M0070.html

In Germany, I have seen spring compressors of this type that have the end plates made from stamped sheet metal instead of those super heavy duty cast/machined plates on the spring compressor shown in that URL.

Performance Products rents them. I don't know the fee.

This tool can be had for much less than $600. Personally, I think it is outrageous that anyone would charge that price for such a simple tool. I guess that if you tack the Mercedes Benz name onto to something you can charge what you like for the item. You could check with Snap On. They have a universal compressor for about $150 or so. I am sure there are other sources for this tool as well. Check this URL. This type of tool will work fine on MBZ springs.

http://sktoolstore.com/kd/kdsusp01.html

[Edited by jeffsr on 03-23-2001 at 06:01 PM]

I really would like one of the type I showed. The kind jeffsr showed are a PITA to use on my SLK.

Here's a pic of another one.

http://www.t-gerber.de/slk/tiefer/tiefer4.jpg

Brian,
I just bought one from J.C.Whitney.It looks like exactly
what the mechanic used when he changed my springs.
It cost me $34.95 plus shipping.It goes inside the spring
instead of the outside.Its easier to use than the
strut spring compressor.
________________
clauser

OK Brian. Just trying to save you a few bucks. If that type doesn't work on your SLK (have you tried?),then I guess you'll have to spend the big bucks for the custom tool. But from my experience, that type of compressor has never not worked, but.. I haven't yanked SLK springs either. Worked great on the 300E, 240D and 300SD. BTW, after you buy it, can I borrow it ??? ...:D :D :D

[Edited by jeffsr on 03-23-2001 at 06:34 PM]

I recently used an A-Frame spring compressor to change out springs and to R&R strut springs.

Here are a couple:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43753

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43168

These are much safer (IMHO) than this type: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3980
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38531

Good luck

Inexpensive compressors are
 

Easy to make or buy:
I made a set to hold springs when compressed to hold them when lowering the jack while the car is on jackstands. Made them from 1/4" X 1" steel flat bar and with a torch bent one end in a U to accept the spring. The other end bent at right angles and drilled a hole so a 3/8" bolt would slide through easily. Made them about 2 1/2 " long and cost almost nothing. Have used them for over twenty years now and have been invaluable. Just use good grade 8 bolts with them.

To buy an inexpensive set go to NAPA/Genuine Parts as theirs have the forged hooks and safety retaining bolts
for less than $30.

The big pneumatic or V clamp with a bolt tightener are usually too big and cumbersome to fit a Mercedes.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

Tobias,

Good on ya for rigging an inexpensive tool.

Regarding "V clamp with a bolt tightener are usually too big and cumbersome to fit a Mercedes". I've had quite good luck using the A-Frame on all three of my vehicles.

Under what situation did you have a challenge with the A-Frame? Not looking for an arguement. Just a chance to pick up another data point.

J.R.
The only problem I've had removing springs is trying to get them back in as they have a tendency to try to cock to one side, Murphy's law, the wrong way. The large works well in removing McPherson struts and the like but found cumbersome when a spring is deep into a pocket or sleeve. Found that if you compress the spring by jacking that corner of the car, then put a couple of containing hooks on and tighten the slack out, then drop the jack down, that the spring is usually compressed enough to remove it. So then a spring compressor is not really needed. I had a service shop near me trying to get the springs off a Saab (front) and he couldn't get his large compressor in there and borrowed my homemade hooks to remove them...they worked. He asked why you can't buy tools like that? Sometimes the simplest work the best! Just my experiences, no arguments here!

Tobias MB
4 MBs

Brian
 

There are all types of spring compressor to buy.
Consider the frequency of use.
I like Clauser purchased mine from J.C. Whitney of La Salle, Ill.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo

Used tool stores
 

There may me a used tool store in your area. I bought a used Bear spring compressor for $100 to change the front springs on my '73 450 SEL, nice tool and it worked great. I'm lucky as Sacramento has two used tool stores with good inventories.

Sigmet

I just rented the Sir tools M0070 model from Performance. This is the safety plate design like the one in the Mercedes manual. I cant' seem to get it to work with the rear springs on my 94 E420. The long central shaft wont fit up into the hole in the lower control arm. It is about 1/8 inch to big in diameter. There is an extra 2 inch diameter washer in the kit, that I don't know what to do with. Has anyone used one of these on a similar car? Any tips? Would the a frame compressor work better? I've tried the two cheaper models discussed in this thread, the internal one is too large to fit up into the spring and the outer one won't fit.

Thanks in advance

you want to be real carefull when you useing any spring compressor .Get one with good locking hooks if thats the type you use.....
William Rogers....