Spring Compressors

[flyingtech55]

Does anyone in the West of Scotland have the Mercedes spring compressors for loan/hire to SAFELY remove the front springs from my '92 Mercedes 190E. I need to renew the front, near side bottom wishbone.

 

[Mikesmerc]

You can buy a set for very little at your local motor factors, not great quality but worth it if your stuck.

Regards
Mike

 

[flyingtech55]

Thanx for the reply but I've got ordinary compressors which I've used on Escort type struts and so on, but these Merc. springs are very long, very strong and access is pretty limited. The Merc. special tool is made for the job and is much safer to use because it goes up the middle of the spring and holds it totally securely.

 

[Spike]

Are you going to change the springs or just the shocks?

It is possible to change the shocks without the use of spring compressors. (See Below)


Jack up the left (or right) front of the car at the factory jack support just behind the front wheel until the wheel is off the ground. Block up the front end by placing a jack stand or similar support under the lower control arm so it is supported as it would be with the car sitting on its wheels. (VERY IMPORTANT) Allow the weight of the car to rest on the stand. Remove the wheel - check that the car is securely supported as it would be with the wheel on the ground. This assures that the spring is retained as it is when the car is sitting normally on its wheels.

Directions for strut change
Undo the upper strut mount bolt - use a counterhold on the shaft with a metric hex wrench.. Remove the three lower strut mount bolts. Support the steering knuckle on a block of wood so it does not swing downward and pull on the brake hose. Remove the strut from the car

 

[flyingtech55]

Thanx for the info. but its the bottom arm that I need to renew due to bush and ball joint wear. I therefore have no choice but to remove the spring.

 

[Spike]

Thanx for the info. but its the bottom arm that I need to renew due to bush and ball joint wear. I therefore have no choice but to remove the spring.

Then I agree that you would be better off getting your hands on the correct spring compressors - not cheap though are they?

I wonder if there's a 'safe' alternative?

 

[Rasputin]

Coil Spring Compressor

This compressor would do the job:-

 

[JimmyTD]

Does anybody know where these can be purchased and how much they are?

 

[Rasputin]

Coil Spring Compressor

This is one of the DISTRIBUTORS[/url]

 

[Spike]

How do you insert that type of compressor into the spring though.... looks like it would be a real struggle.

 

[flyingtech55]

Thanx Rasputin and others for your replies.

I hade some trouble traking down the spring compressor you mention without ordering it. The problem with it appears to be that you can't compress the spring enough before the blocks which hold the arms come together. The principle of the tool is correct but it needs different ends on it.

 

[Rasputin]

Gliderman,

1. The cost of the compressor is only £22

2. You are not supposed to compress the spring until it comes out.!
(Only a Klann compressor can do that and it cost £500)

3. The procedure is to install the compressor and hold the spring at the length which is compressed by the weight of the car and no more. Then remove the eccentric bolt of the lower arm and lower the arm gently and slowly . The spring then can be removed easily (the shock absorber has to be removed). The installation of the hooks of the compressor is a bit tricky. They have to be lowered via the top opening of the spring (without the bolt), first the lower hook, the one near the head of the bolt and maneuvered with thin screwdriver through the coils to hook on to the coils, then the top one and finally insert the bolt via the lower arm opening.

Warning: If you have never done this operation before, I suggest you get somebody who has to help you or advise you. The operation is not without risks!

Good luck!!

 

[Rasputin]

Coil Spring Removal

Gliderman,

Here is an article that might be of interest if you decide to DIY.

COIL SPRING REMOVAL
Just as gravity makes the human body sag over time, it can also cause our cars to droop. More specifically, routine wear and tear causes metal parts to fatigue; and, suspension components eventually tire of absorbing road impact while also supporting the weight of the car's body. New springs can restore the vehicle to its original height and ride quality. The focus of this story is how to replace old coil springs on vehicles that have independent A-arm suspensions.
Lift or Lower?

A saggy profile and sloppy ride are two indicators that the springs are at the end of their life cycles. When replacement is imminent, many car owners debate the merits of using OE-spec springs or substituting non-stock springs: shorter coils provide a lower center of gravity for better road-hugging/cornering and longer springs mean additional off-road ground clearance/fit for taller tires. Regardless of spring length, the replacement procedure is similar (although longer springs sometimes require removing additional components).

Most above-average-skilled home mechanics can replace their vehicles' coil springs. However, the job isn't without risk. Compressed coils store an incredible amount of energy. The key to the swap is to release this pent-up energy in a slow, controlled way. A coil that abruptly springs forth from its A-arm environs can inflict severe bodily harm.
Compression Chambers

Coil "uncoiling" can be done a number of ways. Probably the most popular is with a coil compressor tool, which can be easily borrowed or rented from many auto parts stores. This tool squeezes the coil and keeps it in a compressed state while it's removed from the A-arm. Once the coil is off the vehicle, the compressor tool's through-bolt can be slowly unscrewed to gradually allow the coil to return to its unloaded state. When used properly, coil compressors are a popular way to safely remove springs. However, if the tool is damaged or used incorrectly, mayhem can ensue.

Some pro mechanics prefer to use a hydraulic lift and floor jack to remove coil springs. Since these people perform the procedure day in and day out, they know exactly how high to lift the vehicle so that the A-arm can be slowly lowered with a floor jack, using the floor as an emergency stop so that the coil won't shoot out from the vehicle. Since judgment based on experience is required here, this method isn't recommended for the casual do-it-yourselfer.

The safest way to preserve human digits and limbs when removing coil springs is to add redundancy?combining the two methods above or possibly even securing a heavy-duty chain around the coil to keep it from springing to full length should the compressor tool and/or jack fail. If in doubt, play it safe and take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.
Specific coil-spring removal and replacement procedures vary depending on vehicle. (Refer to a service manual for the specific car for further information as well as for fastener torque specifications for proper re-assembly.) For example, many older cars mount the shock absorber inside the coil. If using a compressor tool, the shock must be removed so that the tool can be inserted into the spring. On the other hand, the shock is mounted away from the coil in many truck applications.

This overview is intended to help you decide whether an at-home coil swap is viable for your skill level. For many car enthusiasts, the job is virtually a no-brainer. Just beware of the potential risks involved.