ronald7410

Hey guys!

So I got some new springs but I need to borrow someone's spring compressor.

I'm Located in West Covina and I'm willing to meetup locally in the area.

Lmk Guys!

ronald7410

Bump Bump Bump. Common guys! Itll only take a day!

rivcal4life

you didnt try autozone's free rental service?

The spring compressors they have arent exactly made for us but they will work...

YNVDIZW124

nooo never use those!! lol...i tried it once and i just managed to get the rear springs out...pretty ghetto if u ask me..

ronald7410

Haha, are these the "Spider Spring Compressors"?
Surprising how it can only take the rears out.

My friend told me these Spiders are only for the modern Mercs and barely work for the older ones. But from what I've read, "Mercedes Spring Compressors", meaning universal for all Mercs, correct?

Thanks for your guy's input.
Anybody else got any recommendations?

rivcal4life

yeah the rears were no problem but the fronts took some ingeuity.

umm...use a prybar? lol

YNVDIZW124

A benz front spring can kill you if it pops out by accident...well any front spring can kill you, so be very very careful when taking off springs. The only way to remove them without any spring compressors is to use a jack and take off the lower control arms.

shadowgriffen

PLEASE DON'T DO THAT LOL

ronald7410

Ive heard about this method, but judging from the pictures, Is this really safe?
What if the jack rolls from its stance and the spring pops outward?
I mean, youre only holding the spring in place by balancing the pressure in the center.
Is it safe?

ZedStyle

i'll sell you one in two weeks...

ronald7410

Ok so I'm just going to do this method, I really need for this to be done on sunday so yeah.

Does anyone have any special advice or procedures to follow as far as this goes.

From what I've read, I drive up a curve to where I have a 3 wheel stance, place the jack dead center to the spring and jack it up. Then untie the bolts and dejack the spring. And same procedure to toss it back on.
And these are only for the fronts while the back I can perform with a borrowed compressor from autozone correct? I just walk in and ask right?

Any more advice as far as the safest way of installation?


Thanks in advance guys!

rivcal4life

I was joking about using a prybar. I dont think it can kill you, but it is definitely not safe.

You will have to leave a deposit for the compressor, which is refunded 100% when you return it. I think its about $45.

ronald7410

Haha, I knew you were kidding.

Ok well anyone else wanna throw in advice?

124-Fan

Replacing rear springs is no problem in a w124. And no compressor needed. I don´t know your facilities, but when upon a lift with wheels hanging, just undo the lower arm inner bolt and lower the arm slowly, using a standing gearbox jack or something equivalent. The spring will pop out nicely when the arm is lowered until it´s free. Only thing to consider is, when retightening the bolt, the car must be level and in driving height position... I sometimes place a jack under the brake caliber to get the hub up in correct height before thightening. This is because the inner bushing must be tightened in central position, so to speak. Otherwise, it will take damage when the car´s suspension begins to operate..

But it ´s a different story with the front springs. You must undo the ball joint and sway bar in order to lower the arm enough. And you must use compressors to get it out and install it. It is sometimes a bit risky and hard.. I don´t recommend it unless incorporating the correct facilities and tools... - It can be dangerous if the spring pops out.. !!!

Cheers,

YNVDIZW124

It can be an hour job with the correct spring compressor and a impact gun but if you don't have these I suggest you DON'T try it. Go to a shop and ask how much it would cost. I really don't recommend auto zone spring compressors unless it's the correct one for the car. So this sunday don't do it and just wait to find one...

danholm

The proper tool is a $1,400. item, and you should not use an impact wrench. I doubt anyone would loan out such a tool unless a lot of beer was involved. Sorry I don't live nearby, as I was forced to buy the tool to get the autozone unit un-stuck. Luckily found one for $800.

YNVDIZW124

I used a spring compressor with an impact wrench on low pressure, no problems..

Sounds like you overpaid.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...QQcmdZViewItem

STLe320

I'm getting H&R's soon...and I'll be using a lift, and all the proper tools in w124 shop. This merc mechanic only works on w124's, and is willing to let me use his lift. With the lift, is there anything else i would need? I can just take off the control arms...correct?

ZedStyle

if you have the spring comprssor you don't need to worry about anything else

STLe320

i dont think i have it? let me ask my dad...he probably does

ZedStyle

if your merc mechanic only works on w124's, he definitely should have one

ShanMan

I bought one of those compressor tools from eBay...hoping it is all I need to DIY the whole job of swapping shocks and springs (and brakes). I guess, assiming it works well, I will sell it or rent it after I am done. I'll keep the boards updated and maybe take some pics for reference.

YNVDIZW124

you may need an impact wrench for the front struts but that's all you need.

childofjuly

ShanMan, it'll be great if you can take some pix! i'm too about to do the same. I too would like to buy or rent those spring compressor after its available again. keep us posted!

ShanMan

will do. I have all my parts now except my springs and the compressor tool. Hopefully I get both in the next few days. As soon as I do, I will take pics of the whole deal and post them. Thanks.