How do you replace the center vent pod diaphram? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jmana · #1 04-02-2006, 11:18 PM

I was able to get to the center vent pod today, and got the cap part off and realized that there was a 2 inch slice in the rubber diaphram. I figured it should be as easy as pulling out the plastic cup which the rubber is formed around and replace it with a new one, but noooo, the rod that goes into the pod is riveted to the cup. How should I go about replacing this darn thing? I really don't think this is even going to solve my problem though, because I pluged up the vacuum line that went into the pod and I still couldn't get anything other than defrost (well now that the pod is apart it also blows out the vent) but nothing to the feet area. I know that the pod that controls the foot area is functional, because I used the mitivac and it worked. It seems like there isn't any vacuum getting to any of the lines at all. I could hold my thumb over a vacuum line with the controls on, and I couldn't feel or hear any vacuum. I looked at all the lines I could access, but didn't see anything that was undone. Where else should I be looking?

mplafleur · #2 04-03-2006, 12:23 AM

Here's instructions on how to replace the diaphrams:

http://www.autoluxmbz.com/ACDI.html

and you can ger replacement diaphrams there too.

Biodiesel300TD · #3 04-03-2006, 10:18 AM

I was able to get the pods aparts without the tool. But it took four hand to get it apart, and a fifth to pul the top off. The four hand squeezed the half with the pins to free them of the clips. I tried gently prying on one in the junkyard, but it cracked the plastic, so I would stay away from doing that.

SD Blue · #4 04-03-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmana

I was able to get to the center vent pod today,..................................... How should I go about replacing this darn thing? I really don't think this is even going to solve my problem though, because I pluged up the vacuum line that went into the pod and I still couldn't get anything other than defrost ....................... I could hold my thumb over a vacuum line with the controls on, and I couldn't feel or hear any vacuum. ................ Where else should I be looking?

I went through this myself not too long ago. Take a look at post #9 :
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=12207&highlight=center+pod

My ACC problems were a combination of solder joints in the Controller and vacuum diaphrams. Most of the repairs were fairly simple but that center pod was quite the PIA.

You will probably need to attach a guage (mightyvac) in order to see the vacuum. I have never been able to feel much except on the main lines to the brake booster. Maybe it is because of such small diameter lines.