Spring Compressor Doesn't fit??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Capt Kirk · #1 03-16-2005, 04:41 PM

I'm currently in the process of replacing the front track rod bushings on my 300D. When I go to pull the front spring out the middle part of the tool doesn't fit in the top hole

I rented the tool from Performance Products. The tool and the ad both say it's made to work on w123's. The part number for the tool (on the box) is M 0070. The diameter of the hole is 1 3/4", the diameter of the tool is 2".

Those with w123's could you go out and check if the hole is bigger/smaller on your car, and those with spring compressor's check if the diameter is bigger/smaller?

I'm at a loss for words on this one.....

-Alan

leathermang · #2 03-16-2005, 05:13 PM

Alan, email R Leo... and check your PM's from me....
R Leo comes out here with his spring compressors every other day to move around springs... he really has a fetish about it.. but boy is he fast changing them out...
I suspect if you ran down here he would do it for you in like 30 minutes...
The compressors which work are too tricky in terms of damaging them to loan out ... but he is just a big Teddy Bear when it comes to helping people... as if he does not have enough projects of his own... LOL

R Leo · #3 03-16-2005, 05:51 PM

To be sure, I'll measure when I get home but, the SirTools compressor I have is a TIGHT fit through the front spring perch holes in the 4-5 cars I've messed with. I also recollect that someone else on the forum has had the same problem as you and they filed or ground-out the holes to accomodate the compressor.

jobgaas · #4 03-16-2005, 05:57 PM

Just used the same Performance Products spring compressor without issue. Worked like a charm and I still have all my teeth.

Your saying it doesn't fit from the top? On my 201, the plate with the slot went on the top of the spring and the plate with the solid hole went on the bottom. The jack feeds through the bottom hole on the wishbone and then slides into the top plate.

R Leo · #5 03-16-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jobgaas

Just used the same Performance Products spring compressor without issue. Worked like a charm and I still have all my teeth.

Your saying it doesn't fit from the top? On my 201, the plate with the slot went on the top of the spring and the plate with the solid hole went on the bottom. The jack feeds through the bottom hole on the wishbone and then slides into the top plate.

No wishbones on a W123 (or a W126); just control arms and track rods. The compressor shaft comes in through a hole in the upper spring perch.

Capt Kirk · #6 03-16-2005, 06:28 PM

I'd love to bring the car down there but it's currently non-driveable

On a side note:

Greg, got your PM, I'll reply today or tomorrow. Sorry about that.

-Alan

dmorrison · #7 03-16-2005, 06:45 PM

They must have sent you the old design compressor. The new design fits in the hole. This was brought up on another post.
I have the new design. and it works fine.
Here is the link to the photo, about 1/2 way down the post.

Not as I thought - Spring Installation Without Tool Not Possible

Dave

tangofox007 · #8 03-16-2005, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Kirk

Those with w123's could you go out and check if the hole is bigger/smaller on your car
-Alan

1982 300D: 1 3/4 inches.

Or should I say 44mm.

Capt Kirk · #9 03-16-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

1982 300D: 1 3/4 inches.

yay!!!! I'm not crazy!!!!

Dan, might measuring your spring compressor?

-Alan

rwthomas1 · #10 03-17-2005, 12:36 AM

FWIW, I have the El Paso Tools compressor and it was maybe 1/64" too large to fit through the holes on the front spring perches of my 123. 5 minutes with a file and it dropped right in. RT

h2odiesel · #11 03-17-2005, 06:33 AM

You do know that you don't have to remove the spring to change out the big end of the track rod bushing. Are you doing other work too?

R Leo · #12 03-17-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

1982 300D: 1 3/4 inches.

Or should I say 44mm.

Same on my 83 300TD and 84 300D.

Capt Kirk · #13 03-20-2005, 03:23 PM

After sitting in the garage with tool in hand staring at the hole for quite a while I decided to skip track rod joint replacement and just fix the brakes. I know that it's possible to replace the joint with the spring still in place, but I didn't feel comfortable fumbling around with it there.

I have all the parts though to fix it, I'll just pass them on to the next owner, let them handle it.

But I replaced the front brake pads, rotors, and calipers while I was in there, stops like a champ now

Thanks for the help guys

-Alan

leathermang · #14 03-20-2005, 04:17 PM

Never do anything which you don't feel comfortable doing...

Capt Kirk · #15 03-30-2005, 03:47 PM

Just got off the phone with Performance Products regarding the Spring Compressor. At first they were going to charge me the rental fee, I tryed to get them down to the cost of shipping it to me (about $18). In the end I ended up with a gift certificate for the value of the rental ($85.50). Of course that took talking to a manager and listening to how "the tool should have worked, it's worked for others" almost a dozen times. I'm not denying any of that, all I know is it didn't work for me.

Looking at it from their point of view I can see why they were reluctant to just refund my money. But still, the overall experience kinda soured my opinion of them.

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