This 1995 E420 with 45,000 miles on it has the short rubber hose from the reservoir to the pump leaking and seems to be the only part leaking. It has gradually worsened in the last year or so.

In following the suggestions on this forum from other owners, I've taken the hose off by finally cutting it and discovered there is only a 1/4" between the two nipples the hose connects too. Making it impossible to put another one without removing the pump and separating the reservoir from the pump. The hose connector on top of the pump though has three bolts that attach to the pump and seems like removing it would allow me to be able to attach a new hose without removing any thing else.

My question is: Is this a feasible way to do this and if someone has tried this or even if I've made it clear in describing my intentions. Have people replaced this little hose without removing the pump? Perhaps there are different versions of this pump or hose connector lengths for the M119 engine. Others have noted changing it without pump removal.

If anyone can shed some light on this it would be most appreciated as I don't want to tear apart more than I have too. Thanks!