Install Guide: Sprinter Helper Springs

This guide covers Mercedes-Benz Sprinter helper spring kits. Use it alongside the official kit manuals for torque specs and exact part orientations.

Kits covered: HV-098140(FWD W910 – rear, standard axle), HV-098200(FWD W910 – rear, wide axle AH1), HV-198190(RWD W907 – rear, 3.0–3.5t, excl. 4x4/twin/CE8), HV-098123(RWD W907 – front, aux + ~25 mm), HV-098178(FWD W910 – front, +20 mm), HV-098248(FWD W910 – front, +30 mm).

Safety & skill level

  • Work on level ground. Chock wheels; set parking brake.
  • Lift points per workshop manual. Support body and axle with rated stands.
  • Eye protection and gloves required. Torque fasteners to OE spec.
  • Helper springs improve support and stability; they do not change GVWR or towing ratings.

Tools & supplies

  • Socket/Torx set, breaker bar, torque wrench
  • Bottle jack or spring tensioner (to create clearance)
  • Pry bar, rubber mallet, anti-seize
  • Paint pen for alignment marks; tape measure

Pre-checks (5 min)

  1. Record ride height: center of wheel to fender lip (L/R). Keep for after-install.
  2. Inspect brake hoses, ABS wiring, and any level-sensor linkage for slack and routing.
  3. Note any bump-stop spacers/raisers or aftermarket parts on the axle.

Rear installation — common steps

  1. Loosen rear wheel nuts (if removing wheels). Raise van and support safely.
  2. Support the axle. Remove lower shock absorber bolts(both sides). Keep hardware.
  3. Lower the axle to create room for the helper spring. Use a spring tensioner or place a bottle jack between chassis and spring as per the manual. Watch brake hoses/cables.
  4. Fit the upper seat at the OE bump-stop frame; fit the lower seat/plate on the axle with the specified orientation.
  5. Install the helper spring onto the seats. Ensure the spring sits perpendicular to the axle.
  6. Re-raise the axle to normal position. Refit lower shock bolts and torque to OE spec at ride height.

FWD W910 — HV-098140 (standard axle)

  • Use supplied seats: VM1913825 (upper) and VM0923814 (lower).
  • Vehicles with a rear ride-height sensor: temporarily remove link if needed; reinstall with nuts on both studs as shown in the manual.

FWD W910 — HV-098200 (wide axle AH1)

  • Confirm rear axle code AH1 before install.
  • If an OE bump-stop raiser is present: remove it per the manual before seating the spring.

RWD W907 — HV-198190 (3.0–3.5t)

  • Not for 4x4, twin-rear-wheel, or CE8. Verify brake line and handbrake cable slack when lowering the axle.
  • Follow the kit manual for seat orientation; variable-load kits use progressive rate.

Front installation — Sprinter

Kits: HV-098123(RWD W907, auxiliary front springs, ≈ +25 mm), HV-098178(FWD W910, +20 mm), HV-098248(FWD W910, +30 mm). KONI combinations available: SD-098178/ SD-098248.

Safety & tools

  • Follow the workshop manual. Use spring compressors where required.
  • Torque at ride height. Wheel alignment recommended after strut work.

RWD W907 — HV-098123 (auxiliary springs, ≈ +25 mm)

  1. Remove front strut assemblies per manual; mark top-mount position.
  2. Install MAD auxiliary springs and supplied wheel spacer(s) per orientation notes.
  3. Refit struts; torque fasteners with the vehicle at ride height.

FWD W910 — HV-098178 (+20 mm) / HV-098248 (+30 mm)

  1. Remove front struts; replace OE coils with MAD reinforced coils (per manual).
  2. Transfer OE seats/bump stop/dust cover as specified.
  3. Refit struts; torque at ride height. Perform alignment.

After installation

  • Re-measure ride height (L/R) and note the change.
  • Adjust headlight aim. If equipped with ADAS (camera/radar), perform OEM checks.
  • Road-test over bumps and turns; listen for contact or clunks.
  • Re-torque fasteners after ~100 miles (160 km).

Troubleshooting

Spring not sitting square

Re-check lower plate orientation and center the upper seat on the bump-stop frame. Raise/lower axle slightly and rotate the spring to seat it.

Brake hose looks tight at full droop

Do not over-extend. Support the axle higher during install or disconnect bracket per workshop manual, then reattach and verify slack at ride height.

Ride too firm when empty

Helper springs are tuned for load. If the van runs empty most days, consider the progressive/variable-load kit (HV-098140) instead of heavy-duty (HV-098200).

Notes

  • Torque: use the kit manuals and OE specs for shocks, seats, and brackets.
  • Compatibility: W910 kits are for FWD (incl. e-Sprinter). W907 kits are for RWD. Do not mix.
  • Ratings: these kits improve support and stability; they do not change GVWR/tow ratings.