Removing the defroster vacuum element w126
 

Has anyone successuflly been eble to remove the upper defroster vacuum element on a W126 (350SDL) while the dash is still in place?

This is the one that sits just to the right of the console upside down at the very top. There is almost no clearance between the dash and the element so it could not go up. Maybe it could be angled out, but I don't want to try unless I know someone has been able to do do it.

Re-connecting the hoses also looks like it might be almost impossible. Taking apart the dash just looks like a ton of work and then it may make noises, etc. I'm just trying to avoid it.

Thanks

Can U get to it with the Glove Box removed?

This Forum stick should help

I'm not sure the diagram helps. I know what it does and I know where it is. I can even see it. But I don't want to see if I can get it out unless I know you can get a new one in there with the dash in place.

That's why I was hoping for someone who had either done it or tried it to chime in.

I take it that no one has been able to remove the defroster element on a W126 without removing the dash?

I take it that no one has been able to replace the defroster element on a W126 without removing the dash?

I do believe you are confused about the elements. The defroster element is accessed after you remove the glove box. It sits to the left side of the box and is easily accessible.

However, the center vent pod, a single pod that is buried just above the CCU to the right side, is very difficult to access. Be absolutely sure that this pod will not hold vacuum prior to attempting to remove it.

It is possible to untwist it and remove it from that position, but you need very strong fingers or some type of tool to grip the pod.

Others have done it without removal of the dash, but it's not easy.

Brian:

You may be right on this, but I can't seem to sort it out for myself. I can see that the defroster element is to the left of the glove box. I do have the box out, but with the heavy sound deadening material, access is still difficult (in my opinion).

Have you done this? The reason I ask is that the defroster element (if I am right) sits upside down way up high to the left of the glovebox. It has two lines running to it. But at least in my car, I have to get underneath the dash and look up to see it. I can't just reach in through the glovebox opening to get to it.

Also, when I stick my hand up there, I can't even get my hand between the top of the element and the dash. They are almost touching and it has a long rod connected to it. So in order to move it out of there, you would have to disconnect the hoses, and wiggle it to the side if there is room and try to get the rod out of the locking ring.

Then, I don't know how you would get your hands back up there to reconnect the hoses to the element.

Is it possible that I have to take out the A/C controls to get better access through the glove box opening? I ask because I just don't see an easy access through the glove box opening.

Thanks for the reply, and please anyone else that thinks I am off in left field please chime in. I am not interested in being right. I just want to understand how I can get this done.

The defrost element is accessed via the glovebox..........not from beneath. It does sit on the left side in an angled position upwards.

It's removed by twisting it off the three bayonets (on the later vehicles). The linkage is exposed and easily removed.

Have you tested these elements prior to attempting their removal?

Brian:

ok - I'll attempt to go in through the glove box on it and see. I can see the linkage is easily removed. I was wondering how hard it might be to get the linkage out of the bayonet ring since you can't move the element upwards. I guess there is enough play to move it out sideways? Also, is there enough access to get the vacuum lines off and then back on? It looks like the connectors are on the left side of the element and so access would be difficult. Do you have to take the A/C controls out to give more access up there?

I tested the elements and the two behind the glovebox were bad and I replaced those. The rest are good, but since I have the dash apart I'd like to replace the rest. It's only a matter of time and then I'd have to go back and take apart everything I've already got apart now.

Have you actually done this yourself?

Removal of the bayonet on the defrost arm is not difficult once the pod is released. The vacuum lines are removed after the pod is disengaged and installed prior to engaging the pod.

The replacement of the center vent pod is not worth the effort (if you succeed.......and that's not a certainty) unless the pod is NG.

I've done all of them with the exception of the center vent. I'm not attempting it with my big fingers unless the pod goes bad.

in the time it has taken to discuss this thread, the dash could have easily been removed, the pod replaced, and the dash reinstalled.

i'm just sayin...

were not all an expert like you are;)

im just sayin

haha, i like this guy.

um, yeah, sarcasm as usual on my part. but truth be told, it's not that hard to remove then reinstall a dash. just keep a camera handy, and take pics of each step of the disassembly, then reverse for reassembly. the worst part is removing the a-pillars--those are a PITA to reinstall without breaking clips.

unless you're an expert like i am, of course

I have done the oblong center vent pod and I still have the scars on my hands and fingers as proof. My center pod was bad and I had to replace it.
As far as the defroster pod, I replaced mine through the glovebox opening and it was not bad at all. Do it just like Brian suggested.