Repairing a Lazy Wind Deflector  (by Chet Hwilka 8/29/2002)

If you have a Slide Roof wind deflector that doesn't pop all the way up when the roof is slid open, it's probably broken spring retainers. (Fig-1)  The plastic retainers break and the springs have nothing to hold them from flopping around.   The hardest part of repairing this is figuring out where the new pieces go. Because, in my case the plastic parts were gone. 

Disclaimer

The following procedure was done on my 1989 560 SEC and I can't say if this procedure will apply to other years and/or models.  This procedure worked for me and anyone else should use this writeup only as a reference.  

Removal  (Ref to Job# 77-250)

To remove the deflector (Fig-2) slide open the roof,  remove the front chrome trim and remove the left/right slide rail covers. (Note: Don't remove the screw just behind the front most screw.  That the adjustment screw.) Gently pry off the left/right deflector holddowns from the rear in a rear direction and remove.  Unclip the center of the deflector.  While holding down the deflector, gently pry the left side out of the deflector clip and then the right.

Reassembly

Before reassembling, take a little time to clean up and relube the rails (Note: The book calls for MB slide grease for this.  When I purchased the grease from MB the parts guy said it just Vaseline and I could use that.)  
See Fig-1 for the reassembling the spring. The springs are different for the right and left.  Fig-1 shows the proper orientation for the right side.  The plastic retainer has a small hole in it, in which the small spring end fits.  Then the retainer is clipped on to the rounded edge of the deflector and slid over the mounting post.  After both spring are installed, set the deflector assembly along side of where it will mount.  Notice that there are two small holes on either side of the mounting assembly (Fig-2) where the long spring ends fit.  Slide the right and left springs and retainers to where that long spring end lines up with these small holes.

Position the deflector so it's over the right Deflector Clip make sure the long spring end is in its hole and the center is positioned over its clip.  Then gently push the deflected end into it clip along with the center.  Then do the same with the left side.  Slip the end of the deflector holddown over the deflect arm and push the hold over the rear clip.  Do the same for the other side.  Make sure the deflector goes up and down without binding.

Reinstall the left & right slide rail covers and the front chrome trim.
Note: The deflector holddowns have screws to adjust the height of the deflect if it's rubbing against the slide roof..

Fig-1                                                                     Fig-2