Vac Pod disassembly w126 85 Sedan question.
 

The pod is from my 85 gas to diesel conversion remodeling.

This pod is one of the dual-diaphragms pair mounted behind the glovebox in the early w126s. Can anyone tell me how to disassemble this portion of the pod?

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I found that the dual-diaphragm actuators require drilling and then rigging something to work. Instead, I decided to just purchase replacements and be done with it. I haven't heard of anyone here going through the process of trying to drill it and making it work.

What's his name that sells diaphragms? He has instructions for the double pod but I don't remember the details. I do remember being able to change the metal ends to make yard pods work. Perhaps there are multiple designs over the years.

There are arguments on how well changing diaphragms works. I've been able to scrounge the good parts out of yard cars. New pods were ~$75 each the last I looked.

Performance Analysis | Climate Control | Diaphragms | Blower Motors | Pushbutton Panels | Vacuum Door Locks | Autotemp | Cruise Control | Engine Oil Analysis | Mercedes-Benz Parts | Mercedes-Benz Club of America | Oak Ridge | Car Care - ACC Version I These guys are in Oakridge.

I got the instruction which said to unclip the extension arm faster. You can see that small fitting type thing in the photos. My issue is breaking the clip. I suppose if I break it I can make the connection with a rivet but I hate breaking stuff.

Replacing the rubber in the single diaphragms is a real pain in the butt. It took two to get the spring collapsed enough to fit the rubber on the plastic cap. Imo, there is no way a 20 yr old pod is going to last like one that has fresh rubber in it.

I'll figure this out and since I have extra diaphragms I'll repair a couple for sale when I get time.

Do you think I should drill the coupling at the arm and cup then rivet it back on after the rubber has been replaced?

OK, here's how the dual type pods come apart.
 

The plastic caps with four snaps are tough but not impossible.

The metal extension is held to the plastic by a snap-on type connector.

The upper cup is held onto the center shaft by a cavity in the bottom of the cup and a knurled rod forced into it.

Pull the spring down and find the small space between the mid section and the upper cup. Stick a small screwdriver in there and give it a twist. It rocks back and forth a bit but finally releases its grip. I had to break my spare to figure all this out.

Unlike the single vac units the spring doesn't cause this one to fly all to pieces.

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