showing how to correctly remove coil springs (front or rear) on older mercedes. using a cheap $50 ebay coil spring compressor ... Support the channel at Paypal.me/benzboy01
CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! Just FYI for others thinking of using these compressors...The eBay descriptions I've read specifically say "DO NOT USE AIR IMPACT WRENCH". Not sure why but just mentioning it as I am really really close to ordering one for my sub-frame project on my 260E. This is a great video and shows how it works. Thanks!
Dale Landreth ... with everything their is potential for injury !.. but as you start work on this type of project, you will notice that its not easy in all cases to turn this by hand...these springs are very tall and need to be completely compressed down in order to get them out .. its not a fast easy job and using tools to help you is Necessary..
@@piscatawaymechanic Yes, I agree. As long as you don't keep impact going when spring is already compressed. Learned from my father when we worked on cars. Also whenever I messed up he would say "You'll never be a man" .... WHATEVER !
It's the same with all spring compressors. Best to use a large ratchet or wrench. The impact guns speed up the process - but they also introduce stresses and fatigue to the metal. The ratcheting action can cause cracks, or worse, cause the tool to slip off while the spring is under load. If the tool breaks while the spring is under load, severe injury or death can occur. That's why it's good practice to wrap a chain or good ratchet strap around the spring while compressing it - to limit it's travel in the event the tool breaks or the un-expected happens. That spring has an enormous amount of stored energy, and it will not stop for human flesh.
@@piscatawaymechanic It's only 'necessary' if you want the job to be fast and easy. If, on the other hand, you want the job done safely, you should never use an impact wrench on this type of tool. With the correct hand tools, it is not difficult at all to turn the piston, it just takes a bit longer, and you hugely lower the risk of injury. 👍
I do not recommend using an air tool!!! Use a ratchet and do it slowly so you can see if the compressor discs start to slip. I have heard that some of these are not very well made and it can happen!
True it's made in china the real tool is $600 and can be used many times this tool get 5 uses till it breaks. I like removing the lower ball joint the. Slowly lowering the lower control arm by jack Thank you nice video the tool is made in China faulty unsafe tool
There is only 2 rules that should be followed when using these tools and you broke them all :D First try to cover as much coils possible(w126 manual says min 8 coils) , second is to avoid impact gun due to overstress over the countertorque mechanism inside the spindel.
The heavy-gauge sheet metal cup which holds the top of the spring is welded to the frame; inspect that weld CLOSELY for cracks in the welding joint---that has happened
Tried this method of removal on my 190e but shaft wouldn't fit inside the spring so compressed spring from the outside slightly more complicated but end result the same. Rog. Pacific sunset records
I have a ‘94 C280…curious to know what you saw with the old springs that caused you to wanna replace them? My car looks even and straight…bought from original owner who took care of her….what signs should I for in case I am considering new springs?
the ride wasn’t tight feeling, like the mercedes benz e class typically has .. it’s impossible to tell how good ur springs and shocks are until u remove them .. after a few years they don’t hold up as well..
Unfortunately I don’t know the measurements of the tool .. its a one size fits all thing ! You should have enough room to maneuver around the bottom of the control arm in order to compress the spring.. so would say probably at least 12 inches off the ground.. but its up to you and what height you feel comfortable with .. just take your time, this is a time consuming job and the coil spring will not cooperate so easily to remove them. It took me 2 hours to get the coils to seat properly in order to remove the top plate.. it was a little frustrating🤦🏼♂️
@@piscatawaymechanic i used it 6 times with a regular socket wrench. I don't know what you are talking about. A socket wrench works perfectly fine. Use of impact is dangerous.
I have a 1995 Mercedes E320 and got the same spring compressor. We got the bushing, ball joint, and the compressed spring in but the only problem we have is we can’t take the spring compressor out. Any suggestions? Thanks!
yeah that happened to me .. unfortunately i had to take the spring off again and reposition the plates.. and same if the middle part is unable to come out as it should. took me a few hours to align it just right..
It took an hour or so To realign the tool .. and keep moving the plate on top until u can slide the tool straight down and out. Followed by removing the top and bottom plats. If necessary you may need to just start over take the spring back off and choose a different part of the spring to place the top and bottom plates .. this is a time consuming job ..
All you need to do it put a jack on lower controls arm and undo tho inner bolt away from wheel. You lower the jack and the spring comes right out with it safely. You reverse the process to reinstall spring.
I saw someone do it that way at a junkyard. The spring came flying out bounced on the ground and hit the guy in his nuts 🥜.. at like 100 mph .. so Mercedes recommend using the disks but of course a much more expensive unit then i was using.. which ever way u remove the coils springs ..just don’t get hit by any flying objects lol 😵🤐🤭
@@piscatawaymechanic it’s a fool proof way. I have no idea how that was managed but I’ve don’t it countless of times. I’ve had 4 diesel Mercedes and did the springs to every one
Jeep Wrangler JL actually the two larger disc/ plated were to big to fit the springs and couldn't be used to safely install/ removal of the springs on a w124 ..they most fit correctly because the spring will be under tremendous tension.. safety is #1 in my book !
I think with oem coil springs.. they can last a good 4-5 years . Mercedes parts are usually so expensive people forgo the recommended timeframe on the parts lifespan.
Hehe.. that sounds like good advice on paper . But with this tool. Turning by hand is very very difficult. New coil springs will not compress easily. Because they are designed to hold up about 897 pounds at each wheel.. it would probably take 7 hours to put just one spring on by hand and thats a miracle if it seats correctly..
