Need Spring Compressor OTC 6494?

[Wolf359]

Need a spring compressor for my Mercedes, no quick struts so I need to buy the OEM springs. Don't really trust those hook compressors, the OTC is a little pricey though a tad under $200. Any other suggestions?

This is for a 2008/2011 E350.

 

[The Critic]

For a while, pep boys would do the spring swap for $20/strut. See if that service is still available.

 

[EricG]

This worked on my F150, which has pretty springs!


https://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

 

[Imp4]

.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted by The Critic
For a while, pep boys would do the spring swap for $20/strut. See if that service is still available.

Do the parts stores offer the compressor on loan?

 

[joegreen]

Im not sure your spring setup but mercedes has this special spring compressor tool.

https://www.amazon.com/EWK-Compressor-Mercedes-Macpherson-Compression/dp/B00H99582U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=VNKOJWQ5I8R2&keywords=mercedes+spring+compressor&qid=1573575989&sprefix=mercedes+spring%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-5

 

[spavel6]

Autozone, Oreilly's and AAP all have compressors for rent. Esentially making them free..

The quality of these rental tools are actually quite good - better than the cheaper stuff you can buy online.

The Mercedes springs are significantly compressed, so be careful!

 

[atikovi]

Originally Posted by joegreen
Im not sure your spring setup but mercedes has this special spring compressor tool.

https://www.amazon.com/EWK-Compressor-Mercedes-Macpherson-Compression/dp/B00H99582U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=VNKOJWQ5I8R2&keywords=mercedes+spring+compressor&qid=1573575989&sprefix=mercedes+spring%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-5


Or https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Spring-C...47675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 But doesn't say it works on the 211 and 212 series he has.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by atikovi
Originally Posted by joegreen
Im not sure your spring setup but mercedes has this special spring compressor tool.

https://www.amazon.com/EWK-Compressor-Mercedes-Macpherson-Compression/dp/B00H99582U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=VNKOJWQ5I8R2&keywords=mercedes+spring+compressor&qid=1573575989&sprefix=mercedes+spring%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-5


Or https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Spring-C...-Telescopic-Repair-Tool-Kit/382764544149 But doesn't say it works on the 211 and 212 series he has.


Yes, that's the problem. I've also seen them for the W210 which was the older model of the W211. Even the strut/spring is different between the W211 and W212 so I don't want to guess.

The problem with the parts stores is that they usually just have the hook style compressors which can be dangerous if they let go. Don't want to take it someplace because that means driving to a place a waiting for it to be done. No quick struts and there's a few other parts there in addition to the spring and strut like the bumper stop, dust cover and a couple other little parts which would add over $100 to the cost of each strut so I can't just buy all the parts in advance and build my own quick strut.

 

[atikovi]

Even a girl in a mini skirt can change one with this tool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE1SPfxz8bY

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by atikovi
Even a girl in a mini skirt can change one with this tool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE1SPfxz8bY


Yeah, but I was looking for one less than $200.

https://munstertoolco.ie/product/semad-hercules-2000-suspension-compressor/

 

[atikovi]

On ebay for less. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Semad-Herc...g-Compressor-model-9901-325/123873433513

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

The specialty compressor is for older MBs that had inboard springs and does not work for macpherson struts, which I suspect is what's up front on the E350. For macpherson struts, the compressor styles are (in order of price):

Threaded Rod:

Clamshell (what we use in the shop):

Fixtured:

 

[JHZR2]

I'm not sure about your model, but typically Mercedes springs are quite long and much more dangerous to compress than the spring on a strut or smaller springs on lighter cars. At least on older Mercedes, the only appropriate way was to use a plate style compressor with an internal shaft. Klann makes the correct one, and they can sometimes be found at low cost from ex-Chrysler techs.

Using an incorrect or insufficient compressor can have major safety ramifications.

At some point they moved to macpherson struts and then a broader range of compressors can be used.

 

[Wolf359]

Well for both models, they're kinda like regular struts, the W212 looks more like the traditional type.

https://parts.mercedesbenzofwapping.../front-suspension--struts-and-components

https://parts.mercedesbenzofwapping...6-gas/front-suspension--front-suspension

I can't tell from the pictures and I didn't measure it, but the OTC says it does springs from 4 to 9 inches, I'm hoping those springs are at least 4 inches.

Oh incidentally that Harbor freight one looks like a knock off of the OTC, but they seem to use less metal and the reviews aren't that good.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I helped my dad with a E320 or 350 last night... broken spring. The springs were closer to 5-6" and we used a old Snap-On/BP clamshell compressor.