My 99 e320 has a leak in what is called the right tempering flap vacuum actuator. The symptom is a whistling sound when it actuates.

I removed the glove compartment and bottom panel and I can see the top and bottom of the actuator in question. The metal link from the actuator extends high up in the dash and the end where it connects cannot be seen or accessed.

Is it possible to replace/repair this vacuum actuator without removing the whole dash (which I am not prepared to do)? For instance can the pod body be removed and replaced without disconnecting the end of the actuating rod from the flap that it operates?