GEDaggett

Do you need a spring compressor to replace the springs (front) on the E320. I need to swap the springs out and I want to just do it in the garage if I can. I am also going to replace all the rubber on the suspension.

BENZITCH

If it is similar to a w126, which I think it is, than yes.

CDP

Yes.

rivcal4life

Eh, not necessarily. You can put the car on jack-stands, get a piece of wood on a floor-jack and bring it up under the control arm. Unbolt the control arm and lower the jack. Just make sure the jack is as centered as possible. Then simply reverse the process to replace. It's actually very easy. I did it with the help of a friend when I replaced my springs.

YNVDIZW124

If you don't want to have a 50-50 chance of popping a spring in your face and killing you, i would use a spring compressor.

rivcal4life

A little dramatic. Ive actually had closer calls with a spring compressor than my method. Problems with them not threading up or seating correctly are common. At least with the jack, when I release the pressure, it's controlled, and Im 10 ft. away.

Youre right though, it is dangerous, but if youre cautious and use common sense just as you would if you HAD a compressor, you won't have any problems.

TMAllison

Most shops would use a Klann spring compressor.

childofjuly

i bet u're the kind of guy that uses a butter knife as a screw driver sometimes! (not a bad thing, i do it too) but still buy a spring compressor!

ZorroAMG

If you're strong like Zedstyle, you can just squeeze 'em by hand.

GEDaggett

I think I will use a compressor. They have some with a center retainer so that if it does jump it is limited as to what kind of damage it will do.

rivcal4life

Or if you chewed new Trident Plus Recaldent, you could just use your teeth.

STLe320

LOL literally I just saw that commercial 2 minutes ago!

Federic0W124

just remember you can't use the spring compressors that
they rent out at auto parts stores. you'll need the plate style
(klann)compressor.

GEDaggett

Thanks for the heads up.

ZedStyle

i alse remove lugnuts with my fingertips...

you're silly, man, wasn't expecting to read that, made me bust out laughing!

ZorroAMG

Tis what I do....haha (sorry, off topic but wish me luck, I have an audition for a lead in a new movie today with Rumer willis, bruce and Demi's daughter!!)

pifcat2

The plate and center screw type spring compressors cost about $250 (Klann copy) on eBay or nearly 2x for original Klann brand IIRC. Some members rent them or buy, use them once, and sell them at a discount. Do a search or pose a question, you may find someone local to you who will loan it for free.

Hanno

Less than 5 min with the proper tool. You could remove it without the tool (done it on the 300E parts car with the threaded rods and clip tool, but I wouldn't even attempt getting it back in that way).

YNVDIZW124

Yeah, me too. Sorry for being dramatic but i've had some pop out on mustangs using the method you mentioned. I also had a 69 mustang fall on me but it landed on the jack stand and a tire i had underneath. So yeah autozone spring compressors won't work and you must use the right one (plates) for the springs to even move.

190E 16V

Way to go, Mark!

Hey, how did Wild Roses go? Haven't seen it listed.

Let us know what's up with the feature. Is it to be shot in Vancouver?


"I knew him when he drove a 300E..." LOL

rivcal4life

Yeah I figured you had an actual experience where that went wrong, since you seem to be one of the more hands-on members on the forums. I actually thought to myself when you posted that "Hmm, Im surprised he hasnt tried that."

Oh and I don't see Zorro ditching the 300e even if he gets bigger. Except maybe for a 500e, and in that case all the cool mods would go with. Enzo would still be alive