W202 Fuel Door Lock

[Hook]

The fuel door on my '98 C280 is making a noise. I want to take the lock out and check for alignment or lubricate it as it appears something is getting hung. How do I remove it? I can get access to it through the trunk and have tried twisting it, but before I apply to much torque, I'd like to know the proper removal technique. Any help?

[JRE320]

Just spray some W40.

[SLAMMED_C]

either spray wd40 or another penetrating oil on the lock actuator from the gas door, or you can remove the actual door lock actuator on the gas door by removing the right side trunk panel, you'll be able to see it then. you can remove it and lube it up.

[Hook]

Thanks, I've sprayed some PB Blaster in it from the gas cap side, it seemed to help a bit, but the noise is still there. Is the lock a 2 piece unit where the side next to the gas cap is screwed onto the body accessible from the trunk? It almost looks like it it held in there with an O-Ring and I'd just pull it out after removing the large ribbed rubber washer thing.

[Hook]

Got the thing out. Easy once you know how to do it, just lift a little tab and the mechanism separates from the part that sticks into the gas cap area. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to the thing. I've tried lubricating it to no avail. There is something rubbing in it (probably the diaphram).

Here is a pic of the thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Hook/Misc/BenzFlapperUnit.jpg