Poll... which way to remove instrument cluster to change light bulbs
 

I have searched and read articles in this forum about changing the instrument dash lights.

It looks split on wether to remove the cluster from the front using bent wire hangers and pull straight out

Or to remove the lower dash kick panel and push the cluster out from the back.

Who wants to vote on this, and I will follow the method of the winning vote getter.

Can someone give me details on the attached speedometer cable and oil pressure line, (specifically about removing them, or whatever I have to do with them to get the bulbs changed on my instrument dash lights)

poc, on 126, there isn't even a speedo cable to slow you down.
don't worry about getting slack in the speedo cable either, just reach up there and unscrew it. the oil line probably dosn't have to come out to get to the bulbs, but it's easy, just put a good 10mm open end wrench on there and unscrew it. after you have the cluster out a bit that is...

I find it quick/easy to just drop the lower panel and reach up to push it out. Whatever works best for you is OK.

Ditto, drop the knee panel and push it out. Takes 3 minutes and no wire gouges on the dash.

Don't have the wires hooks. Mines been out enough times that I push it in just enough to stay put, then I can easily pull it back out from the front and unhook all wires and cables. If it is really stuck, I'd definitely take the bottom panel off to save some cussing after I've pulled the clear lense off after not taking off the bottom panel.

It's "split" because the posters are talking about different cars.

For the W123 cars like yours, it's best to remove the driver's kick panel and push the instrument cluster out from behind.

For later cars such as the W124, W210, etc., pulling from the front using either the factory tool or a home-made equivalent is the way to go.

Jeremy

I don't know about the W123 AFAIK its hooked up to oil lines and a speedo cable. But on the W126's you just stick some hooks in the corners and pop it right out. Getting it from below is kind of a big job, their is a ton of stuff you have to remove.

On junk W126's I use a flat blade screw driver, works well but damages the dash a bit.

on my 2 126's no hooks are needed, I just grab the front of the cluster and pull it out. I put my thumbs on the two knobs and my fingers on the top of the cluster. simple simple simple.

On the W123, you can reach the back of the cluster without removing anything. The speedo cable and oil line should have enough free play to unhook them after it pulls out a few inches.

I tried that on mine its to tight, I need the hooks.

Ahh I figured that they are pretty different.

There is a clip in the engine compartment right in front of where the speedo cable enters the cabin on the firewall. It does help to unclip this. Usually gives another 2 inchs of length to the cable.

Use 2 wrenches on the oil pressure fitting. Using one will work, but weaken the gauge leading to a failure down the road. (Black diesel oil all over your feet and carpet)

The method involving 'snatch' is definitely more appealing to me.

I love snatch

I love to snatch kisses and vice versa . . . .