Instrument cluster removal

[cbdude1]

The "High Beam" indicator light has gone so I need to get the cluster out to replace it. Strange thing is It didnt go out straight away, it was intermittant fault for a while, now it's not working at all.
I read in the haynes manual, 2 special hooks are required. Could someone give me an idea what length these are, shouldn't be too hard to knock up a pair. I have read on some models the surround can be removed by pushing out from the rear, after having first removed the kick panel. I wonder if this can be done on my wdc203?
I assume the ones in the in the attachment are the correct ones, just need to know what length they are

 

[wireman]

They only need to go in about an inch or so, long enough to be able to hold and pull, short enough to get in without the steering wheel being in the way, 5-6 inches will do.

I've used 2mm stainless welding wire to make them up.

The cluster (on my cars) has rubber strips around its edges and they can stick quite firmly to the aperture in the dash, a bit of wiggle wobble and tugging might be required to get the cluster to shift. Mind you don't wrench the cluster out violently when tugging or the cluster and wiring etc may be damaged/strained when it pops out. Take care not to smash yourself in the face if one of your hooks comes adrift.

Have a search for this I'm sure there was a post with pictures.

 

[cbdude1]

They only need to go in about an inch or so, long enough to be able to hold and pull, short enough to get in without the steering wheel being in the way, 5-6 inches will do.

Ahh right, I thought maybe they had to release some sort of clip that was holding the surround. So infact I only need them to catch it, and give it a pull?

 

[BAZZER1]

As Wireman said, these hooks can be bought on ebay to save having to make them and they are not that expensive to buy, always good to have these if you have to remove the Dash Cluster at any time.
Just need a firm pull evenly each side and the Dash Cluster will come out, don't forget to lower the Steering wheel level which makes it easier to remove Cluster.
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[television]

If you have an old flat kitchen knife, just running this around the aperture can free it off as they can stick

 

[Naraic]

A wire coat hanger will do the same job. When you bend over the tips make sure the angle is more acute than 90 degrees...that way the hook will not slip off.

 

[Dec]

Dimensions… http://www.funnyyouasked.com/Mercedes/W126/ExpValve/removal_and_replacement_of_expan.htm

Dec

 

[mej]

On RHD cars, with the knee protector panel under the steering wheel removed, you can push a hand up behind the cluster and push it out, which is most effective and kinder than pulling, but you do need both approaches and lots of jiggling.

 

[cbdude1]

Got it. Brute force & ignorance. Thanks for the info. everyone.