SLK 200 Front Coil Spring Replacement

[STU120]

Hi there,

Can anyone advise me on the following? My 2001 SLK 200 has a broken front coil spring.

1) Is it recommended to get a professional to carry out the work or is it possible to do DIY?
2) Is it necessary to replace both the front springs?
3) Is it recommended to buy the new springs from a Mercedes dealer?

 

[television]

This is partly an age thing as to whether or not to change them in pairs, but ideally they should be, rust can and does eat into the steel, causing further weakening.

MB springs are not expensive

DIY is fine if you have the MB type spring compressor (circa £100)
Others have done it by removing the lower wishbone joint and use the cars weight to compress the spring, I would use an indie as it does not take long to change them

 

[STU120]

Thanks for that Malcom.

I'm now considering replacing the springs myself and was wondering if it's possible to hire a MB type spring compressor, and is there a step-by-step guide anywhere, or is the replacement process reasonably intuitive?

 

[Matt45]

I think you can buy spring compressors from places like Halfords. Have a look, they might be cheaper than you think. I had some and used them to change springs on a lotus years ago. They are like big long bolts with curved hooks on the ends than fit into the spring. You just tighten the bolts and the spring shrinks to the required size.

 

[television]

The MB compressor fit inside the spring, and the top shocker nuts is removed so that it can swing out of the way.

Remember that springs can be lethal things and very dangerous.

 

[Matt45]

Hi Malc,

You're right that they are dangerous, I had one fly across the garage when I was doing the lotus.
I think the advice about getting someone to do it makes good sense. MB or indi is purely down to budget but I suspect it's a simple job for any garage - no electrics involved!!! :grin:

 

[television]

Hi Malc,

You're right that they are dangerous, I had one fly across the garage when I was doing the lotus.
I think the advice about getting someone to do it makes good sense. MB or indi is purely down to budget but I suspect it's a simple job for any garage - no electrics involved!!! :grin:

Matt , for what it cost this is a job for an indie, just on safety grounds. I used to do a lot of XJ6 cars, and that was scary to say the least

 

[STU120]

Thanks for the advice guys,

I'm away off to get some quotes. I'll leave the DIY for a less life-threatening job!

Stu

 

[STU120]

I went to an indie for a quote to be told that the spring replacement will involve replacing the lower ball joint too.

Does the spring replacement involve releasing the ball joint such that if the ball joint securing nut is seized it will necessitate its replacement too?

 

[Ian B Walker]

replacing springs with the right tools should take no longer than 30 mins a side. It can be done in 40 mins (both sides) if you are prepared to leave samples of DNA on the car. Big box of plasters required.