W211 rear spring replacement

[cd1974uk]

Hi all.

I have just ordered a telescopic spring compressor to do the above job.

I have 2 genuine rear springs from MB.

Does anyone have a comprehensive guide on how to replace the springs on my 56 e320 CDI. Bottom of O/S rear spring has broken off and is rattling around in the wishbone driving me crazy.

Regards

Chris.

 

[GSI-jim]

Dont need a spring compressor. Undo rubber pipe going to fuel filler cap & undo subfame bolts, do one side at a time. Ive got a 2002 w211 e320cdi & my subframe bolts wouldnt budge so had to undo most of the suspension arms etc & struglled lol

 

[cd1974uk]

Hi Jim,

I have read a bit on this subject and heard it can be a pig of a job. I don't intend on undoing any mounting bolts, hopefully I can compress the spring and feed it out.

Thanks

Chris.

 

[GSI-jim]

I dont think it will be possible. There is little room & the springs are lonh

 

[cd1974uk]

Anyone else attempt this repair?

W211 spring failure is fairly common.

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

Anyone else attempt this repair?

W211 spring failure is fairly common.

Yes, me.
Here :

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/whee...67022-broken-rear-spring-replacement-how.html

 

[cd1974uk]

Great thanks for the info :-D

 

[Terry_]

Just drop the subframe it takes about fifteen minutes to get the spring out!

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

Just drop the subframe it takes about fifteen minutes to get the spring out!

I wanted to do this initially - but without removing the filler pipe (which as it's at the bottom of the tank, must mean emptying it first), you get no clearance on the RHS.
Then I had to consider the brake-pipe and the best way to support/lower the subframe.

 

[GSI-jim]

Undo the filler pipe further up. 1 jubilee clip. Check to see if your subframe bolts will loosen first, as mine wouldnt.

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

Check to see if your subframe bolts will loosen first, as mine wouldnt.

How old is it ?

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

Undo the filler pipe further up. 1 jubilee clip.

Subconsciously discounted that as no-possiblo, for some reason.

 

[shorty]

When I change them I use the telescopic spring compressors and unbolt the shock top mount . This gives me plenty of room to remove the spring .

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

When I change them I use the telescopic spring compressors and unbolt the shock top mount . This gives me plenty of room to remove the spring .

I think you're confusing this car with another one. Would that it were so easy.

 

[cd1974uk]

Shorty,

I'm with you on this. Surely the idea of the telescopic spring compressor is to avoid removing any bolts on the subframe or the wishbones. My telescopic compressor is due any day now and am hopefully going to try this in conjunction with the pipe under the trolley jack, then a ratchet strap to force the wishbone down to get the clearance.

I could be totally wrong here but will report back nonetheless.

Thanks for all of your suggestions folks I appreciate them.

Regards

Chris

 

[shorty]

When I remove the spring ,
I unbolt the shock top mount , this alows me more room to lift out the old spring and insert the new .
We where changing the springs for longer springs with heaver coils , and we still didn't need to drop sub frames .

 

[cd1974uk]

I am swapping out avantgarde springs green and blue bands. The car sits low so hopefully shorter springs than maybe a classic or executive for example.

Regards

Chris

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

Shorty,

My telescopic compressor is due any day now and am hopefully going to try this in conjunction with the pipe under the trolley jack, then a ratchet strap to force the wishbone down to get the clearance.

In which case, you're 'with' me.
Seems Shorty's not thinking of the W211 back end here - there is no rear-shock 'top mount' (it's just bolted to the wing) - and to provide sufficient wiggle-room, the shock needs to come out completely anyway.
But there's no way just unbolting the shock topbolt will allow enough wishbone angle to get the new spring in - that b*tch needs some serious leverage.

 

[Lord-WYBMAnE220]

I am swapping out avantgarde springs green and blue bands. The car sits low so hopefully shorter springs than maybe a classic or executive for example.

Regards

Chris

They do sit lower, so it will be shorter - which WILL help.

 

[GSI-jim]

How old is it ?

52 plate, e320cdi with sport suspension