Broke spring, so replacing both rear shocks and springs..what else should I purchase?
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
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From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
Broke spring, so replacing both rear shocks and springs..what else should I purchase?
So my car is squeaking like crazy now as I broke a rear spring a while ago. I am replacing both springs and shocks on the rear (going with Bilstein shocks and OEM springs)...as I do this, what other components should I be looking at replacing while I am at it?
I don't know much about suspension, but know enough to follow instructions and have done a spring/shocks/strut job before (not that I remember much of it, long ago). I'm just not familiar enough to know if while I am at this job if I should be getting other components at same time or if you would expect my broken spring would likely cause other issues requiring I replace some pad, bumper or bushing.
Any thoughts?
Last...is this pretty straight forward job? Do I need a spring compressor? I've done a lot of wrenching on cars (a bunch) just not much in terms of suspension...thoughts/advice appreciated...did search for a bit and thought someone could save me more digging and confusion by jumping in with some advice.
I don't know much about suspension, but know enough to follow instructions and have done a spring/shocks/strut job before (not that I remember much of it, long ago). I'm just not familiar enough to know if while I am at this job if I should be getting other components at same time or if you would expect my broken spring would likely cause other issues requiring I replace some pad, bumper or bushing.
Any thoughts?
Last...is this pretty straight forward job? Do I need a spring compressor? I've done a lot of wrenching on cars (a bunch) just not much in terms of suspension...thoughts/advice appreciated...did search for a bit and thought someone could save me more digging and confusion by jumping in with some advice.
Last edited by testknight; Apr 19, 2012 at 01:49 PM.
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Joined: May 2011
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2010 SLK350
TruTaing has a thread, a DIY he put up showing the install of his coilovers. You can reference the install of the rear stuff via that.
It's super easy. No spring compressor needed. You'll basically put car on stands, put jack under control arm to apply force when needed to lower control arm to release the spring. Loosen the one innermost lower control arm bolt to allow it to hinge at the hub, which will release the spring after you've removed the one bolt also in the LCA holding the shock in. Remove bolt on top of shock, and you're done - work in reverse. You'll reuse your stock spring pad at top of spring. Replacing anything else would require unbolting the various arms @ the hub - really no need unless you just felt like replacing camber arm with an adjustable one or replacing the tie rod with a fresh one if it's blown/leaking.
It's super easy. No spring compressor needed. You'll basically put car on stands, put jack under control arm to apply force when needed to lower control arm to release the spring. Loosen the one innermost lower control arm bolt to allow it to hinge at the hub, which will release the spring after you've removed the one bolt also in the LCA holding the shock in. Remove bolt on top of shock, and you're done - work in reverse. You'll reuse your stock spring pad at top of spring. Replacing anything else would require unbolting the various arms @ the hub - really no need unless you just felt like replacing camber arm with an adjustable one or replacing the tie rod with a fresh one if it's blown/leaking.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
You need a spring compressor for the front and it's all but impossible with
a regular style compressor. But as stated for the rear, you don't. You use a jack.
a regular style compressor. But as stated for the rear, you don't. You use a jack.
Banned
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 182
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2010 SLK350
Their wall-mounted compressor couldn't compress the even lowered (Brabus) spring enough to reach the threads on the factory strut shaft.
They went ahead and dismounted both struts for me, so that they were ready to be re-assembled onto the Brabus coils.
It was a Saturday early afternoon, had no choice but to take it to the Benz dealership.
$100 GodDAMMM to spend 5 minutes to compress the springs and tighten the nut on top of the hat.
I argued with the SA -- who Ive done business with before. He wouldn't even look me in the eye. Just continued to stare at his computer screen and tell me "that's what it says to charge".
The difference was that their compressor actually sat on top of the hat, and not the topmost coil.
Regardless, NEVER dealing with that dealership again unless I can get the manager to refund some of that money. Ridiculous.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
2002 C230
TruTaing has a thread, a DIY he put up showing the install of his coilovers. You can reference the install of the rear stuff via that.
It's super easy. No spring compressor needed. You'll basically put car on stands, put jack under control arm to apply force when needed to lower control arm to release the spring. Loosen the one innermost lower control arm bolt to allow it to hinge at the hub, which will release the spring after you've removed the one bolt also in the LCA holding the shock in. Remove bolt on top of shock, and you're done - work in reverse. You'll reuse your stock spring pad at top of spring. Replacing anything else would require unbolting the various arms @ the hub - really no need unless you just felt like replacing camber arm with an adjustable one or replacing the tie rod with a fresh one if it's blown/leaking.
It's super easy. No spring compressor needed. You'll basically put car on stands, put jack under control arm to apply force when needed to lower control arm to release the spring. Loosen the one innermost lower control arm bolt to allow it to hinge at the hub, which will release the spring after you've removed the one bolt also in the LCA holding the shock in. Remove bolt on top of shock, and you're done - work in reverse. You'll reuse your stock spring pad at top of spring. Replacing anything else would require unbolting the various arms @ the hub - really no need unless you just felt like replacing camber arm with an adjustable one or replacing the tie rod with a fresh one if it's blown/leaking.
The above instruction sounds like it would be pretty easy to do. I would love to see some pictures. I am new to mechanics and don't full understand some parts names. Just wanted to do things right.
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 6
From: New Orleans, LA
C230K Sedan
very easy on rear, if you want to be safe about it make sure you use a spring compressor to remove and install to avoid injuries. i had loaded springs shoot at my fingers and cut me before back in my rice rocket days...when we use to lower cars with coilovers and removing stock spring with limited tools. we use to tie a rope or strap around the spring and cut it with a knife and hoping it don't shoot you in the face. You can borrow one for free at autozone w/ safety deposit. remember safey first. beer second.
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
2002 C230
My rear wheels are low and it has even wear on the inside of the tires. Wondering if I should replace the springs. Alternative or in addition to this, a pair if rear camber bushing may also needs to be installed. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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