For those that have changed front struts....
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
For those that have changed front struts....
I'm getting ready to replace my front struts and am very comfortable with everything except compressing the springs. Never done it and hear horror stories of jobs that have gone wrong. For those that have done this, what should I look for in a spring compressor and can you share any tips? Local parts stores will let you buy a spring compressor and then return after use but they are the type that use two sets of clamps and two bolts, which I understand are the questionable types.
Thanks for any advise!
Thanks for any advise!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 1
05 c230k 6spd
I have done this over 4 times so I'd say I have some experience. I used the cheap Harbor spring compressors and the better ones from the auto parts store. I currently rented my spring compressors from AdvanceAutoParts for 53 bucks and u keep it up 30-40 days and when you return it they give you all your money back. With these its not too hard to take the springs off. Just work smart and you will realize how it works. And be careful that the little washer nut on top of strut bearing doesnt get lost in the grass like mine did lol. Good luck. If you have any more questions ask away.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Launched enough springs across the garage during my erstwhile zeal to know better these days.
Just dumb luck they didn’t take my head off when they let loose.
Sublet that portion of the job to a competent local shop and be done with it.
Just dumb luck they didn’t take my head off when they let loose.
Sublet that portion of the job to a competent local shop and be done with it.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: centennial, CO
2003 c240
I agree with splinter on this one. Although I changed half a dozen springs using rental compressors, I can say there is great potential for terrible things to occur. I've heard of fingers being smashed because the compressor sliding around on the spring. I wouldn't recommend it unless someone helping you has experience and knows what to look for when compressing.
The second time around for me, I removed the entire strut and brought it to a shop with a nice wall mounted compressor and had them swap the front struts for 40 bucks. It only takes them 10 minutes or less finish the job compared to the hours it took for me to properly compress it with the cheap rental.
edit: That special mercedes tool shown on the top of the strut on splinter's picture will also make removal and install much easier. Can be bought on ebay for fairly cheap.
The second time around for me, I removed the entire strut and brought it to a shop with a nice wall mounted compressor and had them swap the front struts for 40 bucks. It only takes them 10 minutes or less finish the job compared to the hours it took for me to properly compress it with the cheap rental.
edit: That special mercedes tool shown on the top of the strut on splinter's picture will also make removal and install much easier. Can be bought on ebay for fairly cheap.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 1
05 c230k 6spd
I reccomend buying the tool since it is only 14 bucks shipped and it will save you the trouble. I did mine like 3 times without the tool and the 4th time I stripped the thread on the strut so I ended up having to replace the whole strut :/. Just use the tool its much faster and you dont have to risk it.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
2007 c230
I usually take out the assembly myself and have my local indy swap them out. He charges me 40 for all 4. My question is you have a 2006 and your doing a strut swap? Did you have a leak on the struts? wear and tear? or your just upgrading?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Yes, it's an '06 but have 92k miles on it and the front is getting soft. Just replacing with stock Monroe struts as the roads I'm on all the time pretty much suck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 50
From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
I replaced struts when I put on springs. I bought new 'hats' & bearings and just took the parts to a local shop to assemble. I waited until I had the stock struts off and took those down for reference too, because the hats have to go on correctly. It was $100 and took ~hour - well worth the price to save the hassle.
FWIW I have spring compressors (the cheapies, but a somewhat sturdy design) and have used them many times. A lot of work. Plus I never felt completely safe with them. I'll pay someone to do this job everytime if I can...
+1 on buying the tool mentioned above.
FWIW I have spring compressors (the cheapies, but a somewhat sturdy design) and have used them many times. A lot of work. Plus I never felt completely safe with them. I'll pay someone to do this job everytime if I can...
+1 on buying the tool mentioned above.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Ordered the special socket yesterday and found a shop close by that will do the springs for about $50 so i will go that route. I also need to replace the right upper strut mount so I need to get that from the dealer before I'm ready to go. A few have mentioned replacing the hats and bearings but not sure which parts those are and what they cost. Can anyone help with those?
