richiekie

having difficulty removing the vacuum line in the process of replacing MAF sensor. Is there a release tab? Pulling up on the vacuum line isn't working. Any pictures would of course be very welcome.

Thanks, Rich

CHiKompressor

its a PITA . I think that is the most time consuming part of replacing the MAF. Its like a steel hose clamp. it takes superhuman strenght to compress it and to get off. I eventually was able to wiggle mine off and yank the tube out. i'll try to find the thread with a picture of it

CHiKompressor

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html

richiekie

Thanks Chi,

I looked at the pictures in the link. The picture shows the vacuum line attached to a piece that is round. Is the round piece the part you compress and lift up. On my engine, I also noticed something that looks like it might be a tab about 2 inches below the vacuum line. I'm still confused as to what is the location for the tab.

CHiKompressor

i think this is what youre having a hard time with

CHiKompressor

from the thread:

PHOTO 4: This is the @#$@ that was giving me such a hard time. Even with the box removed from the car, pulling this off was still very difficult! It's on tight. I can't see how there's any way to remove it w/just a pair of pliers. I had to beat it off.

TECHNIQUE:
A few things I learned from doing this MAF removal.
- The "tabs" used to secure the two sockets to the ECU are not really tabs. There are handles on opposite ends. They pull apart away from the center (forward/back) parallel to the ground. It "slides" out. It's not hard to do. You just have to figure out the mechanism.
- I wasn't able to remove the hose clamp w/pliers. I don't see how that's even possible unless you're Superman w/tiny hands. I placed a long flat head screwdriver in between the clamp and hose. Using the hammer, I slammed the screw driver in between and pulled up moving the @#$# out of it. I then took the circular part of the wrench and pulled on the tab as hard as I could. This literally took 45 minutes or longer.
- Notice I tied a wire to the wrench. I tied any and all tools I used to this wire so I could fish it out in case I dropped it into the engine bay, which I did. Good thing I had the wire! Use string if you have it. It's much easier. I just used wire b/c I didn't have string on hand.
- The socket used to loosen the two rear torx screws was a 5/16" socket. You'll need that extension to get access.
- I never unplugged the battery.
- To remove the vacuum hose, pinch the circular tab/bracket like you're pinching a nipple. Pinch in the direction perpendicular to the length of the car.
- For anyone who cares, the part number for the MAF is A 271 094 02 48. I've seen non-ebay ones priced from $288 - $800.

CHiKompressor

this one is kind of hard to get off too. you have to squeeze right under neath the cap sort of

richiekie

Thanks for the pictures and your technical help.

Rich