I'm in the Seattle area and plan on replacing the front struts, looking for a spring compressor rent or borrow. E320, W124.

Thanks!
John

Unless you have a coil over strut suspension, you don't need a spring compressor to replace the front struts on the 124. A hydraulic floor jack placed under the lower control arm can keep standard pressure applied to the spring when you remove the strut. JUST BE CAREFUL---THE SPRING IS UNDER LETHAL TENSION. Once the car is jacked up and on stands, remove the wheel and examine which bolts need to be removed by looking at the new strut. Insert hydraulic floor jack to the outside of the lower control arm where the jack can't slip and raise the jack so that it just starts to compress the strut. Then remove the applicable bolts. I usually remove the top strut bolt under the hood last. Remove old strut by compressing it into the top mount (if the old strut is worn it won't take much effort) and moving the lower portion og the strut towards the middle of the car. Replace the top mount after installing rubber or plastic boot to the underside of the mount. Install bump stop on shock and insert new strut (the shaft must go into the top mount first---compressing this will be harder but it can be done with leverage or by CAREFULLY lowering the floor jack an inch or so and then again raising the jack once the top is in place) and bolts and torque to specs. Repeat on the other side. Mark

I've read both sides of the story and frankly I'd rather be safe than sorry, so I'm still in the market if anyone has one they would like to lend or rent.

thanks though.