W209 CLK200 lowered spring removal help!!!

[Spaceman71]

Good afternoon all, relatively new to the forum so hello all.
I have a CLK200 W209 coupe with factory lowered suspension. Due to a broken spring I've removed unit and managed to get old spring off but cannot compress the new spring enough to fit back on. I've watched some videos to see spring compressor position but still no joy. Only way i can compress enough is to clamp onto the top and bottom coils but then spring compressor plates interfere with top mount and bottom of shock. I've attached photos to show spring compressor position I've tried, can anyone offer any advice?

 

[Trickythemerc]

Dont play with AMG line front springs, if one breaks loose it could take your head off. You need a Klann type spring compressor to change front springs. Find your local MB indi and let them fit it for you.

 

[W1ghty]

Good afternoon all, relatively new to the forum so hello all.
I have a CLK200 W209 coupe with factory lowered suspension. Due to a broken spring I've removed unit and managed to get old spring off but cannot compress the new spring enough to fit back on. I've watched some videos to see spring compressor position but still no joy. Only way i can compress enough is to clamp onto the top and bottom coils but then spring compressor plates interfere with top mount and bottom of shock. I've attached photos to show spring compressor position I've tried, can anyone offer any advice?

I used these when I did my E class front springs

 

[ALFAitalia]

Dont play with AMG line front springs, if one breaks loose it could take your head off. You need a Klann type spring compressor to change front springs. Find your local MB indi and let them fit it for you.

Don't be such a drama queen!. (Only joking!)...but I've changed loads of springs over the years with old style compressors (with spring protectors) that I've had about 20 years ....pictured below....including a set of Eibachs to my 159 quite recently...unless you have a terminal spring or tool failure (unlikely) it's perfectly safe unless you are a complete simpleton!

 

[IanW]

I have a W209 CLK and replaced the 'Elegance' springs with the shorter 'Avantgarde' ones. I have a set of spring compressors identical to the ones in ALFAitalia's post above, and used them many times on Opels, Audis, Toyotas. Unfortunately, they don't provide enough compression to get the new springs on to the fronts of the CLK. In the end I paid M-B Ascot an arm and a leg just to fit the springs on the struts, never mind the labour to put them back on the car. With hindsight, an M-B specialist or independent is probably not required - just take the struts & springs to a garage that has a hydraulic spring compressor.
Ian.

 

[Trickythemerc]

Don't be such a drama queen!. (Only joking!)...but I've changed loads of springs over the years with old style compressors (with spring protectors) that I've had about 20 years ....pictured below....including a set of Eibachs to my 159 quite recently...unless you have a terminal spring or tool failure (unlikely) it's perfectly safe unless you are a complete simpleton!
View attachment 142081

Drama Queen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The threads on those are dangerously close to the terminal tool failure you talk about. No wonder A&E departments are so busy fixing simpletons.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Lol.....they are absolutely fine....just gone a bit shiny from years of use....and the fact that a lot of the load on them is side ways. I'll replace them one day....if they don't outlast me. Older tools last so much better than the modern rubbish.....like most other things IMO. I used to do this stuff for a living.....so I don't take any unnecessary risks. They are clean in the pic....but need to be greased in use.

 

[colinallcars]

I have a W209 CLK and replaced the 'Elegance' springs with the shorter 'Avantgarde' ones. I have a set of spring compressors identical to the ones in ALFAitalia's post above, and used them many times on Opels, Audis, Toyotas. Unfortunately, they don't provide enough compression to get the new springs on to the fronts of the CLK. In the end I paid M-B Ascot an arm and a leg just to fit the springs on the struts, never mind the labour to put them back on the car. With hindsight, an M-B specialist or independent is probably not required - just take the struts & springs to a garage that has a hydraulic spring compressor.
Ian.

I had the same problem on a 203. Local garage did both for £25.

 

[ALFAitalia]

WOW.....cheap!

 

[colinallcars]

WOW.....cheap!

To clarify. Only the compression of the new springs and fitting of the collets, all other dismantling and reassembly was down to me.