changing rear springs

[jonpiz]

I have a 220cdi W203. I need to replace a spring due to breakage. Which bolt is it you undo to lower the lower wishbone, is it the inner one nearest the diff?

 

[brandwooddixon]

Yes - the one furthest from the shock absorber.
remember to clamp the spring first.
If your car has doen a high mileage, say above 80,000 it's usually best to replace in pairs.

 

[television]

Surely with the correct MB sping tool you can just take the spring out

 

[brandwooddixon]

Maybe, although I gather that in the workshop they usually just use them to hold the tension on the spring rather than compress them.

 

[BlackC55]

No need for the MB tool.

Just use a jack to support the arm when undoing the bolt, no need to compress the spring at all.

 

[type49]

No need for the MB tool.

Just use a jack to support the arm when undoing the bolt, no need to compress the spring at all.

Yep, that's the way I do it. Quicker than the tool (or at least quicker than spending ages trying to find the tool)