Strut removal and replacement

[ejsharp]

Can anyone tell me if the front struts are removed as a single unit, with the coil spring attached to the strut or if the strut and coil spring are removed as separate assemblies? Also, is it necessary to compress and lock the coil before removal?

Vehicle is 93 190E.

Thanks.

[slk230red]

Originally Posted by ejsharp

Can anyone tell me if the front struts are removed as a single unit, with the coil spring attached to the strut or if the strut and coil spring are removed as separate assemblies? Also, is it necessary to compress and lock the coil before removal?

Vehicle is 93 190E.

Thanks.

No, the coil spring stays in. I replaced both front struts and rear shocks on my '93 190E. As I recall, I did need my second jack to lower and raise the control arm to remove the old strut and install the new one.
Also, my top strut mounts were in good condition so I only replaced the strut boots along with new struts.

Dave

[ejsharp]

Thanks Dave. That's exactly what I needed to know. I suppose the rear shocks are simpler... just remove the top and bottom bolts.

[slk230red]

Originally Posted by ejsharp

Thanks Dave. That's exactly what I needed to know. I suppose the rear shocks are simpler... just remove the top and bottom bolts.

Yes, the rears are pretty simple...but as I recall, I had to remove the trunk panel to gain access to the top of the shock.

[ejsharp]

Again... Thanks!