DIY Instrument Cluster Puller - that works better than the real thing!
10-10-2013, 12:44 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
DIY Instrument Cluster Puller - that works better than the real thing!
Hi guys,
First thanks so much for all the info that's in this forum on repairing E-Class instrument clusters. I recently bought a very late model W210 and without all the stuff/guides in this and other forums I'd never have fixed it!
Anyway by way of thanks here's tip that might help others.
Everyone seemed to be pulling out their clusters with coat hangers (which doesn't work well) or buying special tools (a hassle). But you can make a really simple tool that is slimmer and better than the special MB tools from old windscreen wiper metal inners. It takes 2 mins to make and won't bend as it's sprung steel. Better than that you have far less chance of damaging the dash board as it's slimmer than the MB tool. I use them for panel pulling for this reason.
Anyhoo - You can pick up old wipers for free from any mechanics shop if you don't have any lying around. If you can't work out from the above how to make one, then I've written a quick guide on my website (link below):
http://www.jamesandtracy.co.uk/howto...t_cluster.html
Big thanks again guys, and what a brilliant car the E is - didn't expect so much from a cheap second hand vehicle!
QX
First thanks so much for all the info that's in this forum on repairing E-Class instrument clusters. I recently bought a very late model W210 and without all the stuff/guides in this and other forums I'd never have fixed it!
Anyway by way of thanks here's tip that might help others.
Everyone seemed to be pulling out their clusters with coat hangers (which doesn't work well) or buying special tools (a hassle). But you can make a really simple tool that is slimmer and better than the special MB tools from old windscreen wiper metal inners. It takes 2 mins to make and won't bend as it's sprung steel. Better than that you have far less chance of damaging the dash board as it's slimmer than the MB tool. I use them for panel pulling for this reason.
Anyhoo - You can pick up old wipers for free from any mechanics shop if you don't have any lying around. If you can't work out from the above how to make one, then I've written a quick guide on my website (link below):
http://www.jamesandtracy.co.uk/howto...t_cluster.html
Big thanks again guys, and what a brilliant car the E is - didn't expect so much from a cheap second hand vehicle!
QX
10-10-2013, 01:30 PM
#2
Out Of Control!!
Well I find the good news is that if the pixel fix does not work you can always cry in the homebrew you just made. The English are very clever folks.
10-10-2013, 03:04 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
My restoration last year of a '73 Mercedes 280CE was 'eased' by a few gallons of homebrew hard cider - paint job turned out surprisingly well all things considered
10-11-2013, 06:01 AM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
If it works for your dash, then great, but in my experience :
1. They bend - Even decent coat hangers are too bendy if your dash press-fit rubbers are in good condition so that the press-fit is tight.
2. You can damage the dash board - If they bend out of the slots, they'll slip and scratch the dash. The decent stiffer coat hangers are thicker and rub the console padding, repeated use can abrade the padding.
3. They're hard to find - it's hard to get hold of decent metal coat hangers nowadays, it's all plastic.
I've not had a W210 before, but on other push-fit consoles in cars I've restored I commonly see scratches and damage to the surround that's almost certainly been caused by using coat hangers or similar tools.
1. They bend - Even decent coat hangers are too bendy if your dash press-fit rubbers are in good condition so that the press-fit is tight.
2. You can damage the dash board - If they bend out of the slots, they'll slip and scratch the dash. The decent stiffer coat hangers are thicker and rub the console padding, repeated use can abrade the padding.
3. They're hard to find - it's hard to get hold of decent metal coat hangers nowadays, it's all plastic.
I've not had a W210 before, but on other push-fit consoles in cars I've restored I commonly see scratches and damage to the surround that's almost certainly been caused by using coat hangers or similar tools.
