I need help removing the instrument cluster of my 1999 C230. I've seen several posts talking about removing it, but when I tried their suggestions, I had no luck. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? It goes something like:

1. Make hook tools (see picture) - 8 inch long with 1 inch hook on each end
2. Insert tools at 10:00 and 2:00 positions and turn to catch rear of cluster.
3. Pull out cluster. But the cluster won't budge. I pulled hard enough to bend the ends of the hook tools! It's as if its bolted-in, but everyone says it's just an interference fit.

What did I miss? Thanks,
Don

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