The MB shop manual advises removal of the steering wheel/airbag before removing the dash. I left it in place when performing the evapectomy. Just run the telescoping wheel all the way out - there's enough room to remove the cluster and get the dash out.

I've not read that PAG oil is carcinogenice. It's known to be a skin irritant, and should be washed off at the earliest opportunity. My understanding is that PAG is quite similar to brake fluid. I always pop for a synthetic refrigeration oil that is not hygroscopic - less worry about water in the system that way.

- JimY