'99 E320 4matic Wagon Front Shocks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
'99 E320 4matic Wagon Front Shocks
Hello All,
I've been researching on how to do the front shocks on my wagon. I've seen the write up on FCP Euro, it does not use a spring compressor, instead it uses the floor jack. You also end up having to remove axles to do it because of that. Does anybody have experience doing this job with the following type of spring compressor?
http://www.schwabentools.com/site/in...ing-compressor
Does having this tool eliminate having to pull axles? Do you need to disassemble the ball joints still to get access? Or can you pull the shock right after you compress the spring? Thanks!
I've been researching on how to do the front shocks on my wagon. I've seen the write up on FCP Euro, it does not use a spring compressor, instead it uses the floor jack. You also end up having to remove axles to do it because of that. Does anybody have experience doing this job with the following type of spring compressor?
http://www.schwabentools.com/site/in...ing-compressor
Does having this tool eliminate having to pull axles? Do you need to disassemble the ball joints still to get access? Or can you pull the shock right after you compress the spring? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
2000 E320 AWD
I have never done this job, but i think if you can hold the spring at the ride height (or less), you can drop the lower control arm enough so it clears the shock yoke. Then the shock assembly looks like it should drop out, either forward or aft of the LCA. Axle shafts still have to come out; that and putting them back in can be a project in itself. Also have to break the lower BJs and maybe get rid of the sway bar. The BJs and tie rod ends can likewise be a PITA. (22mm or 7/8 hex with an impact gun, Kroil, hammer, and strong language can help.) Do you have a link to the FCP euro site? I'd be interested.
Lastly, I always try to remember that a compressed coil spring has the energy equivalent of a rifle bullet.
Lastly, I always try to remember that a compressed coil spring has the energy equivalent of a rifle bullet.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
I have never done this job, but i think if you can hold the spring at the ride height (or less), you can drop the lower control arm enough so it clears the shock yoke. Then the shock assembly looks like it should drop out, either forward or aft of the LCA. Axle shafts still have to come out; that and putting them back in can be a project in itself. Also have to break the lower BJs and maybe get rid of the sway bar. The BJs and tie rod ends can likewise be a PITA. (22mm or 7/8 hex with an impact gun, Kroil, hammer, and strong language can help.) Do you have a link to the FCP euro site? I'd be interested.
Lastly, I always try to remember that a compressed coil spring has the energy equivalent of a rifle bullet.
Lastly, I always try to remember that a compressed coil spring has the energy equivalent of a rifle bullet.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
it doesn't eliminate the benefit of purchasing/using a spring compressor as the
compressor then serves as a back up safety device. when working with a
compressed spring, having that safety net is comforting to some folks. I've
lowered the RWD by dropping the lower control arm as it is relatively quick to
do. I would still use the spring compressor to take up some of the spring tension
just to ease what can be a delicate procedure in lowering the control arm
compressor then serves as a back up safety device. when working with a
compressed spring, having that safety net is comforting to some folks. I've
lowered the RWD by dropping the lower control arm as it is relatively quick to
do. I would still use the spring compressor to take up some of the spring tension
just to ease what can be a delicate procedure in lowering the control arm
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, Virginia
2000 E320 AWD
Also another forum had a good piece on this topic.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...ngs-front.html
