The fuel door lock on my '98 C280 is making a noise. It appears something is hanging or out of alignment. I can access the lock through the trunk, but can't figure out how to get it out. I've read where there is some plastic tube that slips out of place. I don't want to force it and break something, so before I apply to much torque, I'd like to know the proper removal technique. Any ideas?

I figure once I get it out I can lubricate it and check the plastic tube thing, just need to get it out.

Thanks

 

You don't need to worry about torque. There is no twisting involved. The rod that is used for the fuel door lock pulls straight back toward the rear of your car. Use some spray lube if it is stuck in place.

 

Thanks, it is not stuck, but it is out of alignment or something. Makes a very loud noise. I just want to remove the locking mechanism. Is it a 2 piece unit with 1 piece twisting off on the gas cap side and the other in the trunk, or do I pull the whole thing into the trunk. It looks like it may be held in place by an O-Ring.

 

Its possible the rod has slide backwards out of the rubber?? or plastic?? grommet that the rod slides through and it is scrapping on the backside of the fuel filler box as you lock the car. As far as I know the rod itself is one piece and in the unlock position it is almost (but not quite) pulled out of the rubber/plastic grommet. Beyond that I am at a loss as to whats wrong.