Vacuum Locks

Hi,


What I want to know is why did Mercedes use vacuum locks in the W202 C-class on the 1995 model and what other models had vacuum locks - the new ones don't have vacuum locks do they? I sure hope not - I can't see a good reason for them to have used them. I'm so mad at the vaccum locking system right now because after my new dash was put (airbad erupted from accident last June 1) in there is a leak in the vaccum lines inside the dash area that is causing the pump to hum over and over as it attempts to pressurize the locking system - it does this at start up for a while and then when I hold the car in drive/nuetral/reverse with foot brake it makes that noise, it doesn't do it once the car is moving and at any rate goes a way after about 5-10 mintues of driving the car.

Anyhow, Mercedes doesn't know what a pain the vacuum locking system is when a hole erupts in one of the lines - damn - why can't they be electrical. Even a 1993 E36 BMW had electrical locks.

Someone please explain why MB used vaccuum locks and what good are they at all!

*Also if anyone knows how to pull out a US spec Dash with dual airbags from a 1995 c280 please let me know, and it something I can do myself with the right tools.

Thanks a lot,
Troy

[MikeTangas]

Well,

With true vacuum operated locks there is ZERO chance of an electrical fire in the doors.

Now if your vacuum is leaking, you need to verify if it is in fact leaking from within the dash. If it is, then I'd be taking the car back to the shop that replaced your airbags. Have them repair this leak, that they may have possibly caused.

the Mercedes-Benz vacuum locking system is so good and virtually trouble free that it is destined to be sent to oblivion by some fresh beancounter-----ooops didn't it already happen?

[MBenzNL]

Troy,

The vacuum pump in the back of your car is used for the vacuum locks and for the vacuum controlled heater/airco system. The vacuum pump will only react on the door locks after opening and closing one of the front doors, trunk lid, remote control or dash switch.
If the vacuum pump is activated during the drive, it is probably because the heater system demands additional; vacuum to operate one of the vacuum pods in the heater system...I think you have to look into that in order to find the problem.

Take out the right upholstery in the trunk and have a look at the vacuum hoses on the vacuum pump. You can take out the vacuum hose to the heater system (probably a white hose/the yellow hose is for the central locking), blind it and listen to what the vacuum pump will do during the ride...

greetingz,