Door Vacuum Element Removal??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 11-08-2006, 08:34 PM

Does anyone know how the vac element comes off the connecting rod on a door lock vacuum element? (84 300D) Am trying to replace the element on my rear drivers side door. See pic

Biodiesel300TD · #2 11-08-2006, 09:01 PM

The black threaded part that connects to the rod snaps open.

tobybul · #3 11-08-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

The black threaded part that connects to the rod snaps open.

Thanks, does it open lengthwise or crosswise?

speedy300Dturbo · #4 11-08-2006, 10:08 PM

The black collar slides downward, and the top will open up, allowing the rod to come out.

tobybul · #5 11-08-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy300Dturbo

The black collar slides downward, and the top will open up, allowing the rod to come out.

Sorry for all the questions.... r u saying I should pull it apart? I can see the top part is removable from inside the "collar" like it clamps on to the rod but I think its locked in there some how like it snaps in. How should I unsnap it?

Biodiesel300TD · #6 11-08-2006, 10:42 PM

It should open parallel to the rod.

tobybul · #7 11-08-2006, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

It should open parallel to the rod.

Does anyone have a picture of an old element they removed? How about a sketch.... please?

Does the entire collar pop open or is it just the top part that pops out? I do not see a seam on the collar that runs lengthwise.

Once I get this figured out, I promise I'll take pics and may be even do a pictorial of the process...

Biodiesel300TD · #8 11-09-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Does anyone have a picture of an old element they removed? How about a sketch.... please?

Does the entire collar pop open or is it just the top part that pops out? I do not see a seam on the collar that runs lengthwise.

Once I get this figured out, I promise I'll take pics and may be even do a pictorial of the process...

I have few extras at home. When I get home I will pull one out and take some pics for you.

Biodiesel300TD · #9 11-09-2006, 02:51 PM

I was mistaken. That one come apart by pushing the outside part down towards the accuator. It kind of snaps apart. Here are a couple of photos that will hopefully help. I was able to patch one of my leaky accuators with bike innertube patches. I put one on the inside and one on the outside. Might work for you depending on where the leak is. It won't last forever but you will get a few more miles out of it.

tobybul · #10 11-09-2006, 05:42 PM

I will try it later this evening. My leak is a tear about 3/16" long right on the rubber bellows on top of the element. I did the balloon patch a week ago using a small piece cut out of a balloon and used black silicone as adhesive. That held for a few days then I started loosing vac again finding out last night that it did not hold.

So, pulled the stuff off and dabbed a thick layer of just silicone over the tear and let it cure overnight. This morning, worked like a charm but I doubt it'll hold long.

I have the new element and would like to put it in so I can put back my door panel once and for all.

Thanks, Andrew!

tobybul · #11 11-09-2006, 06:56 PM

Ok, I'm not having any luck so far. Those 2 tower looking thingys - how are they suppose to pop out?

Biodiesel300TD · #12 11-09-2006, 07:18 PM

No worries.
To seperate the two plastic halves hold on to the rod with one hand, and onto the ribbed part of the plastic, and gently pull them apart. Those two "towers" are threaded to hold the end of the rod, and have a little dent that snaps onto the other half. So it will snap apart.

tobybul · #13 11-19-2006, 03:41 PM

Yes, basically, you hold on to the rod tight and push the collar down and the 2 tower things that grip the threaded part of the rod come out. You cannot remove the collar by unthreading. The collar strictly grips the threaded part of the rod.

The new element is simpler. The plastic part simply fits into the rod and you snap the cover over it.