Instrument Cluster Removal HELP pls
 

OK, so I have my inst cluster booked in with Rick for a new display.

I started to remove the cluster following info found on here.
I have the cover out, the screw for the cluster out.

Tried to ease the cluster out, but it will only come forward a few mm!
Wiggling left/right as I pull.

Removed the cover under the steering wheel, above the driver's knees.
I can just about reach the cluster from underneath, but not able to move the cluster any more.

I now have the wood dash trim pulled out and can get a little bit more movement, but not enough to get the cluster out.


What am I doing wrong?
Do I need to be MORE aggressive with my pulling?

Any suggestions?

Steve

Isn't there 3 screws holding it in?

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk

This may help, Remove Your Instrument Cluster How to.

NO, Just the one at the top.


Steve

I've read that one and there is a second one:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=91096
With an alternative method at the bottom.


My eldest son is going to help me, he will be able to look up from the footwell, which I can't do :mad:


Steve

If it's any help Steve, my notes say first remove two screws at the top of the instrument binnacle securing it to the dash then lower one corner of the closing panel to release the retaining clips. There's now a single screw securing the instrument pack to the fascia which is located above the Message Centre display.
The pack can then be pulled evenly outwards but will be tight.

Simon

It's out :D

What a PITA.

My son had to lay in the foot well and reach up to release the RH retaining clip. Once released the cluster slid out 'relatively' easily.

Looking at the back of the cluster it is clear that the LH clip had NEVER engaged properly and has deformed over time allowing me to ease the LH forward, but the RH clip was so tightly engaged it would not allow the cluster to move forward.

I'll add a pic or 2 later, just need to get the car back together before it gets dark.

Steve

A bit late for the OP but this may help others.
I just did mine yesterday to send to Rick.
I ran into the same issue with the outboard clip not wanting to release.
I solved the problem by using a long hook tool.
I tilted the cluster up to make a gap at the bottom, slipped the tool in and rotated it so the hook was behind the cluster, then gave a pull and the cluster popped right out.

Here's the tool. It is also useful for releasing a stuck bonnet on an MGF. :)
https://images2.imgbox.com/cf/1c/Yw5nuBgt_o.jpg

If only I had one of them, tho' mine was a very 'snug' fit :D

Mine as well.
I pulled on the top of the cluster so hard it was hurting my fingers but all I was doing was tilting the cluster forward and causing the clip to grip tighter.
By tilting the cluster back at the top I was able to open a couple of mm gap at the bottom and the tool slipped right in. The cluster was out in seconds after that. :)