CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Are all Spring Compressors the same? Help needed...

Old Jan 20, 2016 | 07:21 PM
  #1  
jkruger2007's Avatar
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2000 Clk430
Are all Spring Compressors the same? Help needed...

Hello. I have a 2000 clk 430 and need to replace springs. The following two links show two different compressors.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/261721730544?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262207959002?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The cheaper of the two does not mention the 208 being comptaible, HOWEVER, the more expensive of the two shows that it works with my model and the ones that the cheaper one works with. The plate size and "telescopic" length are the same, but i notice in the photos that the cheaper one looks slightly longer. Check the long rod on the more expensive one and notice how there is space when sitting in the case to the right of it. So, are these compressors all universal or can I only use the more expensive one? Thank you!
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Old Jan 21, 2016 | 11:47 AM
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burgca's Avatar
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'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
Other members have recommended the higher cost model
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ressor-fs.html
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Old Jan 21, 2016 | 12:34 PM
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Gundo's Avatar
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2001 CLK430, 2012 CLS550
The space you refer to is just because one is compressed more than the other thats all. They have the exact same Telescopic range of 120mm-325mm and the plate sizes are also exactly the same.

The max load on the black one states Max Load:36 500 N. This is the only thing not mentioned on the cheaper one. I'd contact the seller and ask them and if its the same it may be worth saving the money.

I've owned the more expensive black one and it is solid as a rock, I highly recommend it.
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Old Jan 22, 2016 | 11:29 AM
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2001 Clk55 AMG
I have had the springs in and out a few times on my '01 and never needed a spring compressor. I have always been able to drop the lower a arm out of the way and spring is unloaded in the process.
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Old Jan 22, 2016 | 04:45 PM
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02' CLK 430
Originally Posted by Chadzu
I have had the springs in and out a few times on my '01 and never needed a spring compressor. I have always been able to drop the lower a arm out of the way and spring is unloaded in the process.
+1 I just changed shocks and springs on my 2002 CLK 430 and did not use a spring compressor. Just common sense and a few good quality floor jacks. The front control arm drops out of the way enough that you can take a spring out and put it back in. I recall the passenger side spring was tougher to re-install as you need a little more clearance since the spring notch site on the opposite side of the spring access hole...but nothing that a helper didn't accomplish. If you are replacing factory springs with aftermarket lowering springs then it's even easier to re-install as they are about an inch shorter than stock.

I agree that the spring compressor would make it easier and safer but I would say it's not a REQUIREMENT if you have done work with springs before.

The rear shocks and springs are a breeze.

KRis
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