All the information Loren speaks of is in the TDM (Technical data
manual). They were published annually for the most part and cover
information pertinent for a specific model year range. My collection of
these is one of the most valuable tools I have in my technical library.
FWIW, never and I mean never try to R&R front springs on one of these
cars without the proper tools. Use the Klann compressor or nothing. Is
your life really worth being a cheapskate about this sort of thing?
Last I checked, spare lives and limbs were on backorder. I've seen
first hand what happens when one of these springs lets fly and it is
akin to a grenade going off. It has enough force to decapitate you!
Regarding the OPs car, before condemning springs look to all the other
suspension rubber as suggested by your fellow listers. Shot upper and
lower ball-joints will cause a good 1" of ride height to be lost alone!
However, despite the pontifications of many in the MB online community,
these springs do become weak and require replacement over time. The way
to check besides the obviously broken or completely collapsed spring is
to remove the spring and measure it. Then compare that length to the
specification given in the TDM. The TDM provides strict instructions on
how to measure the springs. Knowing the chassis and the colors on the
springs will allow you to determine the correct specification. Lastly,
always replace springs in pairs and ideally on all four corners at a
time. It does make a difference.
Lastly, if replacing the springs, make sure you have the correct spring
pads to replace the worn out, old ones with. They are often dry rotten,
collapsed, and sometimes gone missing. The TDM also covers the variety
of spring pads available. Those nubs on the side of the upper pad have
meaning.
Regards,
Mathieu Cama
Old World Automotive
Lawrenceville, GA
www.oldworldauto.com
404-550-8000
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Mon-Fri
On May 13, 2009, at 9:49 AM, Loren Faeth wrote:
Unless you have a broken spring, I'd be looking for suspension
components, subframe mounts, control arm bushings, etc. Then move to
the spring rubber bushings. I am not sure where to find them for 123,
but there were factory specs published for earlier models about the
height of good springs out of the car, as well as how to decipher the
color code markings on the spring. I would guess they are in the
factory manuals or CDs.
Call rusty for a kit price for the front or rear suspension. 800 741
5252
At 07:41 AM 5/13/2009, you wrote:
Hello,
Has anyone replaced coil springs once? I am trying to see if I could
do it myself on a 300D, 1981. Not too long ago, I replaced the shocks
with Bilstein's but it won't do it, the car is still too much like a
boat, especially on the interstate.
Thank you.
--PT, 300D 1981
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Loren Faeth
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