Originally Posted by bamfic

I recently replaced a seized up ignition switch assembly on my 1985 W123 300D with a boneyard part. I also replaced the electrical rotary switch on the back with a new (Duralast) one. I disabled the steering lock (previous owner had done that to the old one already too, it seems)



It all works, but is stiff. I tried spraying LockEze in there, it helped the key/tumbler operation, but not the rotation of the whole assembly when all put together, which still seems, not like it's catching just like it's too tight.


When I have the rotary electrical switch in the back unscrewed and removed, the cylinder rotates fine. If screw the rotary switch back on, and don't torque it down too much, it's usable but feels stiff. If I torque those 3 screws down too much it won't rotate at all. For now I'm fine with just leaving those 3 screws kind of loose but it kind of bothers me.



I saw some guy on youtube selling some expensive kit with fancy grease but I don't want to go that route.



I called the dealer and asked what they recommend, and they said they don't know.



Is there a non-fancy, ordinary, can-buy-at-any-hardware-store-or-auto-parts-store grease that would be good to lube up the ignition mechanism?


Thanks