Need help on replacing rear shocks and springs without using sprng compressor. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Father Of Giants · #1 12-09-2017, 08:55 AM

I'll start out buy saying I've never worked on suspension a day in my life, so I have not even the slightest clue on where I should start, No such thing as being to specific with me or giving too much "obvious info".

I quite honestly don't trust myself using a spring compressor and I also really just want to avoid buying one to get the job done. From what I've heard it is possible but there a quite a bit more steps involved.

Currently the car sags in the rear and dips forward with even the slightest application of the brakes which annoys me, it was like this when I got the car.

Where can shall I begin?

rocky raccoon · #2 12-09-2017, 09:11 AM

Maybe others know, but doesn't the SDL have air bag rear suspension?

Shocks can be replaced with no problems but Please Fatha, if you have springs to replace take your car to a suspension shop if you are uncomfortable with using a spring compressor.

Father Of Giants · #3 12-09-2017, 09:20 AM

Standard shocks and springs, bags or hydraulics.
I'm afraid of being charged an arm and leg just because I have the three point star on the hood. The only shops that can do it or Merc shops right?

leathermang · #4 12-09-2017, 10:53 AM

Being ' afraid' you are being charged an arm and a leg is better than LOSING a hand or fingers or eyes.... Springs are dangerous... use the proper equipment.... pay someone with the experience to Supervise you doing it perhaps....
I recommend that on Brake work where people are not familiar with the tricks to be sure they work properly.....

leathermang · #5 12-09-2017, 10:54 AM

I THINK you can RENT the spring compressor .. ???? Check on that....

Father Of Giants · #6 12-09-2017, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

I THINK you can RENT the spring compressor .. ???? Check on that....

The Baum tool?

HuskyMan · #7 12-09-2017, 11:39 AM

I'm planning a front end job in the near future. I'm thinking of wearing a Bell full coverage motorcycle helmet and gloves while using the spring compressor. I'm also thinking of some type of protection for my chest, metal plate, etc so that if the d*mn thing hits me in the chest it won't cause cardiac arrest.

I'm also thinking of figuring out a way to tie the spring to the chassis using steel cabling to prevent the spring from launching like a missile.

Might sound like overkill but these springs can reach out and grab you!

Diseasel300 · #8 12-09-2017, 11:47 AM

You don't need a spring compressor to change the shocks. Replacing them will help out a LOT.

Unfortunately you do need a spring compressor for the springs, and the springs are an issue on these cars. The springs and rubber pads get tired and you get that "saggy ass" syndrome - especially with a full tank of gas and passengers in the rear seat. Mine does it too, but I'm not doing a thing to it until I have the time and money to rebuild the entire rear suspension. I installed the Bilstein "heavy duty" shocks on mine and it made a profound difference in the ride without being rough or jarring.

HuskyMan · #9 12-09-2017, 11:48 AM

Someone on this forum rents the Klann tool....can't remember who....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ytWwUdA-r8

rocky raccoon · #10 12-09-2017, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

Standard shocks and springs, bags or hydraulics.
I'm afraid of being charged an arm and leg just because I have the three point star on the hood. The only shops that can do it or Merc shops right?

Don't get caught in the Benz mystique. In the final analysis they are just cars. Things like suspension maintenance and brakes are about the same for all cars. No special equipment or tools needed. Any competent shop specializing in such things can easily do the jobs you describe as needed. Midas?

leathermang · #11 12-09-2017, 12:02 PM

There are many threads in the archives about changing out springs... the Two or Three brand compressors mentioned there may be necessary due to either the springs having many coils and close together or the tight fit in the area near them.... so I am not sure any Midas can properly do the job.

HuskyMan · #12 12-09-2017, 12:04 PM

I figure we should place a value on our time and expertise when dealing with cars. Everyone should value their own time at a minimum of $50 an hour. Professional mechanics use a guide to calculate the number of hours to perform a certain job. Their book might show new spring and shock replacement at 3.2 hours per wheel. They then take 3.2 hours and multiply it by their labor rate of say $100 and they come up with $320 per wheel.

So, we take our labor rate of $50 and multiply by 3.2 and come up with $160. So.....if we perform the work ourselves we saved ourselves $320 per wheel BUT we also have to place a value on our time which in this case is $160. The tough pill to swallow is nobody is paying us a dime to work on our cars. Plus, in the case of the OP, there is a risk to life and limb for this particular repair.

Now, if we have a skill that pays us $100 per hour and we don't get our hands dirty or risk our lives, it is better to work at that and swap dollars with the repair shop.

Another idea is bartering for work. Say you are a plumber; you approach ten auto repair shops and let them know you will offer them ten hours of free plumbing at either their business location or their home in exchange for repairing the shocks and springs on your mercedes. When you call, ask to speak with the owner of the business. I've learned over the years that most will say no, but if you keep dialing and smiling you will get a YES.

If you use this idea, be sure and check out the repair shops on yelp.com and this forum's reviews before you call and make them an offer.

HuskyMan · #13 12-09-2017, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

There are many threads in the archives about changing out springs... the Two or Three brand compressors mentioned there may be necessary due to either the springs having many coils and close together or the tight fit in the area near them.... so I am not sure any Midas can properly do the job.

I wouldn't trust Midas or Meineke to work on the brakes, shocks, struts or springs for any european car. I did have a Meineke do exhaust work on a 1984 300DT once. The indy that had previously replaced the transmission had seen the exhaust problem while doing the transmission work but failed to tell me about it.

I was 800 miles from home when the exhaust started banging and causing serious problems. I was referred to a Meineke shop who was kind of enough to stay past normal business hours to repair the exhaust and did a GREAT job. That said, I don't think I would want a Meineke or Midas to do any suspension or brake work on a european car.

Mxfrank · #14 12-09-2017, 12:19 PM

Why? Anything prior to the 211 has the most ordinary of brake systems. And as long as it doesn’t have SLS, the suspension couldn’t be simpler.

larryloveslala · #15 12-09-2017, 12:24 PM

I just had shocks put on by a local budget brakes. I had the shocks already and they only charged me 40 a corner. It was worth it to me because I don't have a car lift and believe me it's much easier with a lift. Jack stands and a floor jack just don't cut it. Took them an hour and a half at it would have taken me all day!

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