Cluster removing hooks...how to make them yourself? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #1 01-10-2005, 10:13 AM

Anyone got an idea on how to make these Instrument Cluster removing hooks yourself?
I need to pull my cluster.
Got a material spec? Will Piano wire work, or do I need something like allen wrench strength steel?
Its time to fix my 87 300D odometer, its stuck at 178K.

speedy300Dturbo · #2 01-10-2005, 10:15 AM

Do yourself a favor and buy the actual tools. They're not too expensive ($15 for a pair) and work better than any self-made tools. If you want to remove the cluster without the tools, you can remove the left air vent and pull it out. Also, you might be able to push it out after removing the left front speaker.

Carrameow · #3 01-10-2005, 10:20 AM

Or at the Dealer?

PS thanks for the speedy response..are you sitting in the cubicle next to me in my office building? Are you the guy i always hear pecking away on his keyboard?

speedy300Dturbo · #4 01-10-2005, 10:21 AM

LOL, just awake early here in not-so-sunny California. You can get them from the dealer, or call Phil at Fastlane.

85drtysthbenz · #5 01-10-2005, 10:23 AM

find a good, thick metal coat hanger....if you hold it upright, youll see it turns upward on each side from the bottom....cut both sides of the hanger about a quarter inch after the bend....now you should have a single peice with both ends having a 90 degree(or more) bend in them....now just cut that peice in half and youll have your cluster removal tools.....slide them into the dash on either side of the cluster with the hooks facing downward, about three to four inches in is enough....then just turn the hooks to where theyll grab the cluster, and pull...should come out with a little tug

speedy300Dturbo · #6 01-10-2005, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85drtysthbenz

find a good, thick metal coat hanger....if you hold it upright, youll see it turns upward on each side from the bottom....cut both sides of the hanger about a quarter inch after the bend....now you should have a single peice with both ends having a 90 degree(or more) bend in them....now just cut that peice in half and youll have your cluster removal tools.....slide them into the dash on either side of the cluster with the hooks facing downward, about three to four inches in is enough....then just turn the hooks to where theyll grab the cluster, and pull...should come out with a little tug

The W124 clusters typically fit tighter in the dash than the W126 ones I've seen. I'd be worried about a coat hanger scuffing the dash.

goldenbear · #7 01-10-2005, 10:28 AM

From the Varshney SEC site:

Quote:

...You can make your own version of this using a metal hanger. Be sure to leave a 1/4" tip with about a 70-90 degree bend. Start with the the right hand side of the cluster. Insert the tool with the "hook" parallel to the side of the dash and push it in all the way. Then turn the hook to "engage" the hook with the back of the cluster.

Used this homemade tool with success. No need for the special tool, IMO.

85drtysthbenz · #8 01-10-2005, 10:29 AM

ok, i thought they were basically the same for 124's and 126's...i only have experience with the 126, so listen to the man who's been there and done that

goldenbear · #9 01-10-2005, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy300Dturbo

The W124 clusters typically fit tighter in the dash than the W126 ones I've seen. I'd be worried about a coat hanger scuffing the dash.

I've used the homemade tool on both 124's and 126's without issue. Just be sure to push it to the back of the cluster before engaging.

Scott98 · #10 01-10-2005, 03:57 PM

I'll second the use of the coat hanger. I've used it on my 123 and have seen one used on a 124. In fact, a Mercedes mechanic is the one who told my Dad not to waste money on the tool and to use a coat hanger.

Scott

rmmagow · #11 01-10-2005, 04:02 PM

I used a set of small picks from Harbor Freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=6466
4.99
Also used this same set to yank out the c-clip that holds the rear axles in the diff.

nhodges · #12 01-11-2005, 01:16 AM

Bad idea. One little slip with those sharp points and you could really wreck something. Best alternative to the MB hooks is the clothes hangerI have two that I made in 1978. I still use them when I need to remove the cluster.

redbaronph123 · #13 01-11-2005, 03:44 AM

cant the clusters on a 124 be pushed like that of a 123?

i didnt have to make those things to pull off my cluster.. i just remove the cover underneath.. reach at the back. and push the cluster out...

Carrameow · #14 01-11-2005, 07:01 AM

but its considerably tighter up there and much more complex, theres a big duct and lots of soundproofing and wiring and other stuff, I stuck my hand up there and couldn't squirm it one bit...

dlssmith · #15 01-11-2005, 02:16 PM

I used two paint can openers from the hardware store. You know the ones they give you when you buy a couple of gallons of paint. The end looks like a flat head screw driver with just the ends bent to 90 degrees. They are flat and work better than the coat hanger, they slip in the crack easier. And because they are flat they won't likely damage the vinyl around the cluster.

DS
87 300D
Northern Iowa