Matthew Scott

Hi,

My wife just took our 2002 E320 4matic to a mechanic because she heard a loud noise and the car began vibrating severely when turning. The mechanic told her that the spring broke and is causing the right and left "axles to collapse". He gave her a rough estimate of $3000-$4000 to replace/repair them. I went online and don't see how the parts could total more than $600 - $1100 depending on whether a front differential is needed. I'm sure it's no small job but that seems like a lot in labor cost, any thoughts? Second question: assuming that is just the going rate, is this something a motivated do-it-yourselfer could handle? Thank you ahead of time for any insights.

Plutoe

Oh, I am sure that if you block off two weeks and purchase the special tools a motivated do-it-yourselfer could easily accomplish this job, however, just in case you get sloppy and you get hit with a spring have your wife take out some term life insurance.

renault12ts

Yes, you can do it...but take care.

Our dwarf planet friend is always like that...and he's feeling sensitive today because he's had a fly by recently.

Matthew Scott

Thanks for the opinion. I know i'd need the special MB spring compressor but are there any other special tools that you can think of?

Matthew Scott

Thanks, going to get another quote tomorrow. So far the guy said that if it's just springs and axles it'll run about $1200-$1500 including labor. He'll know better after looking at and diagnosing it tomorrow. Thanks again for weighing in.

renault12ts

Non 4matics need the special spring compressor...not sure if the 4matics do.

Plutoe

I know I get melodramatic at times, however many times folks believe they can accomplish a repair task with very little research and a look see at the factory documentation regarding the repair----In any event all your concerns are spelled out in WIS document AR.20P0200B--to get to the document you need a 24hr subscription to MB Startek WIS. That subscription is 18 bucks--well worth the effort for a job such as this as there are many sub documents about the springs and ordering that a correct\safe installation requires!!

Matthew Scott

Thanks Plutoe,

I've decided have a local MB specialist do the job. He's going to do it for $1500 including parts. The other guy wanted $3000+. I would have tried it myself if I was faced with only the $3000 option. The $1500 quote seems very reasonable considering the amount of work required. Thanks again for the additional info.

Matthew Scott

It does require the special MB spring compressor. I'm going to leave this one to the pros. Thanks for helping me come to a decision on this.

illest

I have changed axels and springs on my 4matic, no compressor is needed. There is some pretty good information on the other forum