New LCA arrived today, and I installed it after work. Took me just an hour. Put the LCA bolts in loose, then stuck the spring in place, just catching the lip of the indentation in the LCA. Slowly jacked up the LCA, compressing the spring, and *SNAP* the spring fell into place in the LCA indentation, about 1/4 of the way up. The rest was fairly straightforward, with a bit of wrestling with the ball joint to get it to slip into the strut assembly. Compared to the old one, man that new ball joint is tight! In the process I damaged threads on the pinch bolt for the ball joint. I managed to get it on anyway but will order a new one from the dealer for safety's sake. In the meantime, I'm waiting on the new tie rods - once they arrive and are installed, my car should be ready for alignment!

I like the fact that I get new ball joint and LCA bushings with a new LCA. For $89 shipped, I'm tempted to do the other side before sending it in for an alignment. But maybe I should leave well enough alone.

I stand by my initial assessment - removal and installation of the LCA without a spring compressor is definitely possible, and is safe if you take your time and pretend that the spring can come out any second and kill you. If you use extra caution you should be fine.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280