I have a leak in the locking side vacuum element in my tailgate. It tries to lock, but rarely is able to. I've lubed it well, no luck. I can hear the leak, and reach the little white actuator with my fingers, but cannot find a way to get it, or the lock assy, out of the tailgate. I've been able to move it an inch or two, but have no idea what I'm doing wrong. It's like the gate was built around the lock - ugh. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

 

Trunk Lock Cylinder- Removal - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

 

my car is a wagon, which has an entirely different assembly - but thank you.