How To: Change front coil springs on a W203

[nickid]

Have two compressor clamps and just bought another two to make sure

 

[Pathfinder]

Have two compressor clamps and just bought another two to make sure

Your not going to find it easy with normal clamps especially on the rebuild. I took mine to a local mates garage and used his floor mounted, similar style as the above how to.

 

[cleverdicky]

And when you've compressed them, have a mate stand well back while you release the stupid little round threaded retainer.

Because you need someone else that still has their eyesight to see where it pinged off to

 

[nickid]

I pray it doesn't. Need to do this myself since I don't have access to a garage to have it done

 

[Pathfinder]

After you remove the struts from the car, you could take them to a local garage and ask them to remove/refit the springs, probably around a £20 charge.

Do check the top bearings while you have them off. Mine were well worn with a lot of side play and I had buy new ones.

 

[nickid]

I took the sping off because of the top bearing not working.

 

[cleverdicky]

The bearing is actually the hard rubber bit that stays in the cup in the wing.
I know I know

But they are not expensive to replace, easy once you drop the strut and do make a hell of a difference.

 

[nickid]

I first noticed when I could hear the top mount rubber turning instead of the bearing

 

[SteveX]

Always nice for people to take the time to do a DIY

 

[nickid]

My wife said "just take it to the garage" lol women

 

[Benzworx]

Please guys really cant stress enough please take them to a garage with the right
spring compression tools, this is an accident waiting to happen and know you all want to save money on repair costs but is your life worth saving a few bucks !,
No is the answer

 

[Frontstep]

I watched someone take the springs off a 210 with big pry bars !!
Mind you it wasn't as entertaining as watching petrol tanks being removed with a gas axe.

 

[robfly]

Well Said Clive , couldn't agree more .

 

[Frontstep]

This is how to take your springs off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...E9011A756FB10A087509E9011&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR

 

[Frontstep]

If you don't think this is funny check your pulse

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...D030B068F76A0DB8A9B3D030&first=21&FORM=NVPFVR

 

[Pathfinder]

The bearing is actually the hard rubber bit that stays in the cup in the wing.
I know I know

But they are not expensive to replace, easy once you drop the strut and do make a hell of a difference.

Not on a 203. The strut does need to come out and removed from the strut. It does not remain in the wing.

 

[cleverdicky]

Not on a 203. The strut does need to come out and removed from the strut. It does not remain in the wing.

Mine were. 54, w203

 

[nickid]

Taking it to a garage now. Needs to be nearly fully compressed to put the top on. Thanks mercedes

 

[cleverdicky]

Not on a 203. The strut does need to come out and removed from the strut. It does not remain in the wing.

You are correct. I stand corrected.
I think the ordeal confused me until I checked with pictures I took.
Hope you get them sorted OK but you made right decision taking them to shop.
Nasty things.