Cluster plastic cracking!

[azaman]

The plastic screen covering my instrament cluster seems to be developing some sort of spidering/cracking on the inside.

Is there any way to remove the plastic screen so I can have a go at cleaning it or replacing it?

I have 2004 C Class Coupe.

 

[Dec]

Below is a W202 cluster, as you can see it splits into 2 parts, I replaced the front glass halve from a scrap yard, you should be able to do the same from either an MB dealer or scrap yard.

Dec

 

[azaman]

Thanks for the pic.

Is it difficult to remove the cluster? I remember reading somewhere you have to remove the steering wheel...

 

[Dec]

I don’t want to comment on a W203 but this is how it is done on a W202.

The difficult bit is pulling out the cluster the first halve inch as it can be very tight, you could go to your dealer and ask them if the would pull it out for you, it would only take them a few minutes to do it as the have the right tools for the job.

Dec

 

[st13phil]

I can't offer help regarding how to remove and replace the plastic screen, but the most likely reason for the micro-cracks / crazing effect is that it's been cleaned at some time in the past with an inappropriate cleaner. Just a warning for everybody really, to be careful about what cleaning chemicals they use on their car interiors.

 

[219]

MB do have a pair of special tools which really are just bits of stiff wire with hooks on the end : you slip them in either side of the binnacle and pull carefully and evenly .

I tend to use the can=opener blade on my Swiss Army Knife : you have to take care not to damage the soft padded material of the dash surrounding the binnacle , but you can insert the blade at the side of the cluster , then twist it slightly so the hooked part just catches the cluster and pull gently . This method requires pulling a little at one side , then the other until you get the cluster so far out .

Once you have the knack , it is very easy to do without causing any damage .

Try it first on the 'donor' car in the breakers before doing it to your own car .