The Dangers of Replacing Coil Springs on Your Vehicle - Full Clip

In this episode of Saturday Mechanic, Ben and Russ replace the coil springs on a viewer's Mercedes-Benz. They also explain what happens when a coil spring compressor fails.
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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.
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[@bobatporty]

" this is a fantastic tool but I never used it before and I'm an expert and don't read instructions" Famous last words, Lol

[@Prin435]

You don´t need to unbolt anything to replace springs on these cars.. The tool that was used in the video is dangerous and not the original MB tool. With the right tool from MB you can squeeze the spring much more than they do in the video. The spring can carefully been taken out by hand if you do it right... The guys in this video is doing it in a dangerous way and not the easy way. Normally im using about 45minutes to replace both front springs on my 124 on the floor in my own garage.

[@onquarter]

You're missing the point. Most commenters here don't have a channel that instructs people on how to perform auto work. If you instruct others at something that can be potentially dangerous, you better be sure to get everything right. And Beavis and Butthead here didn't.

[@kevwelyk]

"We make mistakes; I didn't read the instructions." Best line in the whole video.

[@digfire1]

she rigged her car to kill them

[@389Tim]

you did not have your spring compressor tight enough had it two close together when you used the pri bar you compressed the spring further giving it enough energy in the wrong direction to slip work smart and save any possible trips to a hospital...

[@rayhennig]

Another thing they failed to do was torque the bolts when the suspension was under normal load; i.e. with the wheels supporting the weight of the vehicle (or the jack compressing to 'road-going' load. The lady is likely to suffer premature wear of the bushes. Shame really.

[@sipapito]

agree video should be removed,that man could of end up killed or in the hospital,you should be able to remove the spring with both hands I can see as he pushes down the tension on the spring and then,Boom!!!

[@onquarter]

I never thought i would say this... but these guys are WORSE than the mechanics at Pep Boys!

[@edumspeed]

It wasn't properly seated on the coil.

[@MrJrain]

Having just had a spring compressor come unwound in my hand,i searched for a video about spring compressor safety.

[@leeh9420]

This video was what convinced me to get a real spring compressor (one with full plates instead of the dangerous claws or whatever crap gizmo they used). It was $130 shipped, and they've gone down in price since then, and I've used it on another of my cars and helped friends with it a few times. More than worth it.

[@pgtmr2713]

When I worked in a shop there was a tech there that would hide every time springs were being compressed or de-compressed, installed/removed.

[@ScubaCat3]

Good idea wearing a watch while improperly using a substandard spring compressor. Nice work. I know what magazine not to turn to for advice now, so thanks for that heads up.

[@davidgriffiths7696]

Nice guys. I usually compress the old spring and tie with bull wire and/or zip ties until the spring is slack and secure in compressed position, before replacing shock absorber, although not worth attempting when replacing the spring. But make sure the spring is tied with about 20 strong ties and it’s definitely done to excess and well secure.

[@Elsanta666]

Perfect video to show ppl the dangers and energy of compressed springs

[@JohnnyTHolland]

Brilliant chaps - a very very useful video and with the real example of just how dangerous coils can be - thanks, John (UK)

[@bestplaya13]

These guys for some reason don't look like they know what they're doing

[@crayez4441]

Man would i love to work on vehicles that don't see road salt. Also, at

[@JonnyDIY]

Classic video right up there with the News lady falling stomping grapes 🤣💕👍