How do I disconnect vacuum lines?
 

I am embarrassed to ask this question, but how do you disconnect Mercedes vacuum pipes such as those on the central locking pump? How do you pry apart the four segments of the female connection at the same time? I can't find any reference to a special tool, and there is no mention of it in the service manual CD.

Thanks

Just do it!
 

They are all just a good snug fit and can get a bit tight if on for a long, long time. But unless some one glued them on, you can pull them apart. Pull them straight off and kind of twist them as you pull. Or, before you start pulling, use a pliars to twist them and them pull off.

I refuse to believe Mercedes would make a connection that is so difficult to disconnect. There must be an easy way to do this. The two parts are not glued on. They move easily relative to each other. I have tried pushing nail heads into the slots to pry the segments apart. So far nothing.:confused:

i believe that if you get a 7mm open end wrench and insert it between the male and female ends and just twist it ,the connection will fall apart.[i don't recall exactly if it's a 9mm or 7mm but you will see]

I will try the 7mm wrench next time. Thanks.

I was able to push two thin strips of aluminum (cut from a can of sardines - don't laugh) into two of the slots and uncouple the vacuum pipe connection. It took me a good part of an hour trying various tricks. I didn't want to break anything.

I'm astonished that there is no special tool for this. If technicians had to spend so much time disconnecting vacuum lines they would have no time for anything else.

I disconnected just about every one of the vacuum lines on my E320 while chasing a leak several weeks ago. My approach was to simply get a good grip on the top of the connector with a pair of duckbill pliers and pull straight up with a twisting motion. They popped right off and easily pushed back on for me.