Need to replace fresh air actuator - do you have to pull dash?

[stim141]

My RECIRC/Fresh air flap vacuum actuator is shot and have to replace it - do you have to pull the dash to remove and replace it? Flap started to slam "open" over time and now it doesn't close. Hear the actuator trying to work but I think it just has a small leak - so not enough pressure to close the flap. The upper housing should probably be replaced as the foam is pretty gummy but would prefer to just replace the vacuum actuator if I can replace it without a dash tearout.

IS this possible?


In this high heat and humidity a complete dash pullout would be a miserable job but with the flap closed it does make the system cool down much faster. AC system was just serviced with a new drier and expansion valve as well as the hose from the condenser to the drier which was slowly leaking. Evac'd and tested and can cool down to about 38F with the flap closed (held in place manually) with temps in the 90's with nearly 100% humidity. System seems to be working fairly well.

[Mxfrank]

It would help to know which car. On my W201, you just have to remove the center console to replace the floor flap and recirc pods. The defroster pod could probably be reached by pulling the dash pod. But the air blend flap would definitely require pulling the works.

[stim141]

Sorry - its a 2000 CLK430. The vacuum actuator is just to the right of the airbag on the passenger side. The only way to get to it is to remove the glove box and at that you can see and feel it. The only problem is the little latch that holds it on - you cant see that and the actual actuator piece where it attaches to close the flap is out of sight.

[vince]

Not sure, but since thew CLK is based on the W202 chassis I would assume the dash must be pulled. I had that failure on a W202 and had to pull the dash. It isn't that bad a job.