Instrument cluster removal
 

Has anyone successfully removed the instrument cluster on a 1981 240D without using the special "hook" tool? If so, how?

Thanks in advance.

Bud

You don't need any special tools but you should disconnect the speedo cable from its holder arm near the firewall. Then you can pry around the top of the instrument cluster and carefully pull it out. If you don't cut the tie holding the speedo cable first you won't be able to pull out the cluster far enough to disconnect it from the speedo.

Try this thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=32102

Yes, there is a hook tool, but as I said, in the W123 you can usually remove the cluster easily without one. Once you loosen it the cluster usually pulls right out. You can also snake your hand up from beneath the cluster and push it out from behind. In some models the hooks are absolutely the only way to get them out, but I've never needed them on the chassis he's asking about.

When checking, make shure the oil line is disonnected if there is one, its been a long time!

Yeah, there sure will be an oil line and wires too...once he gets the cluster out far enough to see what's back there I figured he'd be able to know what he needed to do to get it all the way out...but good point, he'll need to disconnect all of the lighting, wiring connectors, oil line and speedo cable to remove the cluster once it is loose.