Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

On gas pressurized shock absorbers and separating pistons with the piston rod located at the top, with the vehicle raised and axle half free of load, ensure that the piston rod is not turning while loosening upper attaching nut. In this condition, the deflection stop within the shock absorber rests against the operating piston and the attachment of the operating piston to the piston rod may loosen. The gas pressure within the shock absorber may force a sudden extension of the piston rod and leaking of the shock absorber oil will result.




123, 124 & 126 SERIES

When removing coil spring assembly, use spring tensioner tool 116589063100, spring tensioner socket tool 116589010900 and upper attaching nut socket tool 107589000900 or equivalents.
1. Remove upper shock absorber attaching nuts.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front tire and wheel assembly.
3. Insert clamping plates of spring tensioner (offset by 90°) into front spring. Ensure at least 9 coils of spring are engaged between spring tensioner plate.
4. Insert tensioning screws through wheel housing dome. The webs of the tensioning screw and guide sleeve should be correctly located in upper and lower tensioning plate grooves.
5. Position a suitable jack under lower control arm and place spring under tension. Lift control arm while placing spring under tension load.
6. Remove front spring and rubber mount.
7. Reverse procedure to install. When installing spring, ensure water drain hole in spring retainer plate is not restricted.
8. Torque lower attaching nuts or bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm). Tighten upper attaching nuts up to thread runout.