2001 CLK55 Shocks & Springs replacement
2001 CLK55 Shocks & Springs replacement
Hi everyone,
Coming up on 100k on my AMG Orphan #69 and my indy tells me it's time to replace the shocks/springs, but that it requires a special tool to compress the springs (too tall) which he doesn't have. I don't want to go to stealership, so my question is if switching to Bilsteins or H&Rs will save me the hassle?
Also: what are people paying these days for the change?
Thanks!
Coming up on 100k on my AMG Orphan #69 and my indy tells me it's time to replace the shocks/springs, but that it requires a special tool to compress the springs (too tall) which he doesn't have. I don't want to go to stealership, so my question is if switching to Bilsteins or H&Rs will save me the hassle?
Also: what are people paying these days for the change?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: New Hampshire
Magma Red W208 55 AMG, W203 C230 Kompressor Sedan 6speed M/T, W220 S500
Springs and shocks are easy on these cars. The "special" tool is good if you have it but is not required. Factory or aftermarket, doesn't effect the price of the spring swap.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 389
Likes: 113
From: Seattle, WA
SL500
Luckily there are generic tools being made in the $130-$160 range, which is a far bit more reasonable than when only the German Made tool was available for $600-$1000. You can purchase the tool yourself to give to your Indy Mechanic. Tell him to knock $100 off your bill and he can keep it for future work.
Here is a link to the proper tool:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben...-/251958056293
I just got done adding new spacers atop my springs to bring the car to a more reasonable ride height, I couldn't find anyone who was reasonably priced that had the tool already. The best quote I got was $100 per spring if I provided the tool. I went ahead and just purchased the tool and did it myself. Took about 15 minutes each spring. Really simple. You just place a plate as far up on the spring as possible, press the center rod trough the hole in the A-Arm that's made for it, then attach the lower plate as low as possible on the spring. Then it's simply cranking on the ratchet to compress the spring. It's a pretty straightforward task.
Here is a link to the proper tool:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben...-/251958056293
I just got done adding new spacers atop my springs to bring the car to a more reasonable ride height, I couldn't find anyone who was reasonably priced that had the tool already. The best quote I got was $100 per spring if I provided the tool. I went ahead and just purchased the tool and did it myself. Took about 15 minutes each spring. Really simple. You just place a plate as far up on the spring as possible, press the center rod trough the hole in the A-Arm that's made for it, then attach the lower plate as low as possible on the spring. Then it's simply cranking on the ratchet to compress the spring. It's a pretty straightforward task.
Last edited by Aussiesuede; May 29, 2015 at 03:56 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 5
From: New Hampshire
Magma Red W208 55 AMG, W203 C230 Kompressor Sedan 6speed M/T, W220 S500
Good luck with this and be sure to post some pictures after.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
The shocks are independent from the springs on this car, very simple to replace and pretty inexpensive. I put on the KYB replacements. I don't think I've ever replaced springs on any car, especially as regular maintenance, and especially at only 100K miles. If you're set on doing it, then you need the speical center type spring compression kit, get it from Ebay.
