I've a method where you don't need to use spring compressors. Before doing anything, I would undo the top mount nut first, followed by undoing the threader washer with the special socket. Screw back the top mount nut on loose. The strut will be easier to catch once you undo the rest of the bolts. Now, you will notice the spring tension will be pretty much gone when you lifted up the car. Installing back might be a bit fiddly alone. Also, you might want to disconnect the droplinks before all this, not sure how much leverage you will get on them when the strut is loose with hand tools.
That sound interesting, I just played it through in my head and I can see it being great for taking old one off. As you say for re install, might be quite difficult!
I just had my c class coupe fail it’s mot with two broken front springs. The mot was at Halfords and they said they couldn’t repair it it had to go to Mercedes specialist because they didn’t have the right spring compressor. After speaking to the specialist at garage they said a lot of garages take there work to them because they haven’t got the right equipment. Yeah so for two new springs and to anti roll bar links the bill was £370!! So definitely worth doing yourself if you can
Halfords are about as much use as a chocolate fire guard anyway but yes it can be a bit awkward without the correct ones as I show here, it is doable though and with a tower compressor which they should have, they should've been able to do it. That's a hefty bill mate sorry to hear that but glad its sorted now at least!
Thank you appreciate the kind words! Was just cheapo Ridex springs from autodoc, I find they last well and seem to feel ok for a standard replacement part
@@Sim-ru6sr a bit of silicone spray might be helpful, I'd be worried about any thick grease interfering with the fit or allowing slippage when installed. Admittedly it is a bit awkward as you're trying to press the whole shock assembly up into an area you cant see and it has to be aligned right. It can also help if you can get a ajck underneath the assembly and push it up into place so all you have to do is align it
Just changed the shocker on a C320, the spring seat was cracked, also it didnt have that notched nut. Not sure why its needed as the top mount only goes in 1 way and cannot rotate ?
The notched nut is to secure the top mount onto the strut/spring assembly, it doesn't stop the top mount rotating or anything just sets preload on the spring and then holds the assembly together whilst you insert it into place
I've a method where you don't need to use spring compressors. Before doing anything, I would undo the top mount nut first, followed by undoing the threader washer with the special socket. Screw back the top mount nut on loose. The strut will be easier to catch once you undo the rest of the bolts. Now, you will notice the spring tension will be pretty much gone when you lifted up the car. Installing back might be a bit fiddly alone. Also, you might want to disconnect the droplinks before all this, not sure how much leverage you will get on them when the strut is loose with hand tools.
That sound interesting, I just played it through in my head and I can see it being great for taking old one off. As you say for re install, might be quite difficult!
good help. thank
I just had my c class coupe fail it’s mot with two broken front springs. The mot was at Halfords and they said they couldn’t repair it it had to go to Mercedes specialist because they didn’t have the right spring compressor. After speaking to the specialist at garage they said a lot of garages take there work to them because they haven’t got the right equipment. Yeah so for two new springs and to anti roll bar links the bill was £370!! So definitely worth doing yourself if you can
Halfords are about as much use as a chocolate fire guard anyway but yes it can be a bit awkward without the correct ones as I show here, it is doable though and with a tower compressor which they should have, they should've been able to do it. That's a hefty bill mate sorry to hear that but glad its sorted now at least!
Plan on doing lowering springs & will follow this thanks 👍🏾
No problems! You will have an easier time putting the lowering springs on as they're shorter so will be less hassle😀
Good video mate. BTW which coils did you fit ?
Thank you appreciate the kind words! Was just cheapo Ridex springs from autodoc, I find they last well and seem to feel ok for a standard replacement part
@@Enginesetcthanks. I’m stuck at 14:33 .. is it an idea to use some silicone grease on the top mount rubber to slide it easier into place ?
@@Sim-ru6sr a bit of silicone spray might be helpful, I'd be worried about any thick grease interfering with the fit or allowing slippage when installed. Admittedly it is a bit awkward as you're trying to press the whole shock assembly up into an area you cant see and it has to be aligned right. It can also help if you can get a ajck underneath the assembly and push it up into place so all you have to do is align it
Just changed the shocker on a C320, the spring seat was cracked, also it didnt have that notched nut. Not sure why its needed as the top mount only goes in 1 way and cannot rotate ?
The notched nut is to secure the top mount onto the strut/spring assembly, it doesn't stop the top mount rotating or anything just sets preload on the spring and then holds the assembly together whilst you insert it into place
@@Enginesetc the one i changed just had a nut !!
@@arnietwo11 weird!