Do I need special tool W124 front springs?

Waft

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Hi!

As per title really.
About to change the front coil springs on my 124 Sportline.At last I can undo the work the previous owner did,of fitting standard springs to a Sportline.Driving around for the past 10000 miles with 12 coil front springs instead of 8 has been interesting at times:shock::neutral:

Do I need an internal spring compressor to do this job?
I'm used to Audi,Porsche 924S/44,and Lancia in the past you see.All were doable with external compressors.
I'm looking to save cash as much as possible,as I've gone to the dealer for the springs.

If at all possible,if theres anyone in the Stamford,Peterborough,Spalding area who could perhaps help me do this job (for safety reasons!),it would be great!

Cheers in advance!
Steve
 

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As the shock does not sit in the spring I would have thought any would do the job, some have just disconnected the shock and had a jack under the wishbone and slowly lowered the jack to get the spring out,,,but still dodgy
 

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Can jack a corner up below wishbone etc close to wheel until spring is well compressed then tie the spring top to bottom in 4 places with heavy wire let down jack and undo the bolts .
Risky if you don't tie well and use heavy wire , but seen it done on many springs. Also be careful when cutting wire ,you can use a jack below work bench or similar to jack spring up to and then release wire and let jack down slowly.
But proper tools is best but costly for a one off job.
 
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Waft

Waft

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£100 plus for a compressor kit! Sod that!!!:shock::shock:

Is there any members near Peterborough with a set I can perhaps drop a deposit on and borrow??

It's either that or a local garage I'm thinking.

sigh...Just when I thought I could breeze suspension and had all the tools!

Steve:neutral:
 

grober

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Find an MB specialist who has invested in the correct spring compressor. If you present them with the correct springs for the job it should not cost too much as its a very simple job with the correct tool.
 

jibcl500

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£100 plus for a compressor kit! Sod that!!!:shock::shock:

Is there any members near Peterborough with a set I can perhaps drop a deposit on and borrow??

It's either that or a local garage I'm thinking.

sigh...Just when I thought I could breeze suspension and had all the tools!

Steve:neutral:

cb6 3ul I have the tool for the job if you want to borrow it.

jib
 

mikestrivens

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I think Sealey also make a similar tool to the Klann one. But they are still not cheap.
 

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I actually made an internal compression tool for my W124 using the acme screw bits from a jack and some bits of machined plate. My description is on here how to make it.
However after doing the first one (in November I think) I decided that on balance I would prefer to pay £50 to get it done with a proper tool and I could sit in the warm.
 

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I actually made an internal compression tool for my W124 using the acme screw bits from a jack and some bits of machined plate. My description is on here how to make it.
However after doing the first one (in November I think) I decided that on balance I would prefer to pay £50 to get it done with a proper tool and I could sit in the warm.

They can be lethal things, you did it the right way :D
 
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Waft

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Now if I can jjjjjust get it done for as little as £50 a side,I'd be as chuffed as you mate :D

Lowest quote £140 so far.

Y'know,the most depressing bit at the moment,is knowing that when they're done,the shocks still need doing.It's those which will make that ride nice and Mercedes-comfy :D

Oh well,patience is a virtue I guess.I'm low on £,so one month I get a pair of springs,the next month 2 front shocks etc etc
I simply won't settle for anything else than Sachs/Boge though.Been there done that!Cheap suspension is cheap for a reason from experience.

Steve:)
 

Bolide

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Can jack a corner up below wishbone etc close to wheel until spring is well compressed then tie the spring top to bottom in 4 places with heavy wire let down jack and undo the bolts .
Risky if you don't tie well and use heavy wire , but seen it done on many springs. Also be careful when cutting wire ,you can use a jack below work bench or similar to jack spring up to and then release wire and let jack down slowly.
But proper tools is best but costly for a one off job.

Times must be hard if you're prepared to risk your life to change a coil spring

Nick Froome
 

Alex Crow

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Now if I can jjjjjust get it done for as little as £50 a side,I'd be as chuffed as you mate :D

Lowest quote £140 so far.

I guess you are asking in the wrong places then, this is no way more than a £50 job for both sides - I have done it for half that in the past!
 
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Waft

Waft

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Would you care to quote me,Alex?

I mean,Stowmarket is a trek,but I would be interested.
Bottom ball joints need doing as well.I have a pair in the boot.
They're Veco not OEM,but bought and paid for now,and intend on having them changed every 6k.Perhaps you'd advise that I don't need to,but I'm erring on the side of caution,as I've heard 6k isn't crazy talk!

I'm on 07568 073024

Steve:D
 
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Rockall

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Would you care to quote me,Alex?

I mean,Stowmarket is a trek,but I would be interested.
Bottom ball joints need doing as well.I have a pair in the boot.
They're Veco not OEM,but bought and paid for now,and intend on having them changed every 6k.Perhaps you'd advise that I don't need to,but I'm erring on the side of caution,as I've heard 6k isn't crazy talk!

I'm on 07568 073024

Steve:D
Every 6K for a bottom ball joint, 60k maybe at a push on bad roads - that has to be an error!!

Bill
 
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Waft

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Ah!

I must have READ an error then Bill :lol:

Somebody shoot that post-messenger!

I'll swing for you...Butler! :p
 
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Waft

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Hooraaaah!

Well,I finally have the springs fitted.:D:D

I entrusted it to a local garage who it turned out have plenty of W124 experience.
They were decent enough to even call me to say that my current ball joints were in fact fine.Now I know a fair few places would just fit your parts and take your money.:rolleyes:

So,upon collection she was sitting miles lower,and just like some of your Sportlines sit in the W124 thread.
I must have been driving around in a prospective death trap!
The driving experience is now completely different of course.The poise and turn in on corners is amazing.For a car of its size it really does impress.

Just wanted to thank all who helped with my many threads,and tolerated my questioning everything until I learned "The only way to get the right part is by chassis number from the dealer" :D

I was disappointed GSF didn't carry the parts I needed,despite advertising items for the Esprit/Sportline cars on their sites.Most odd!!

So,just to do the rears now.
Do I need internal spring compressors for the rear springs too??
I'd like to do these myself.I'm a pretty able chap and I'd like to be more hands on.I even have a huge workshop I can use.

Thanks again

Steve:D
 
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