How to remove steering lock?
 

Searched threads, not clear on how to. Steering and ignition tumblers locked up, very stubborn. Can't turn key at all. Tried lubricant, loosening the assembly on the column, no use. Now do I drill out the lock, sawzall the whole assembly, or try to drop the steering column?

Any advice is much appreciated, as always!

Thanks,

Andy.

Car model will help?

Roman

123
 

Seems to be fairly common. The haynes manual states that if you cannot turn the key to the #1 position, (and remove the tumbler) drop the steering column. The section on dropping the steering column says that you must remove the lock assy. 1st. Not a lot of help there.

I don't have my service manual available right now, but there is a locking pin holding the lock to the column you will have to drill out if you cannot release the column lock with the key. The pin should be visible, but I'm not sure if it's on the top side of the column lock or on the bottom side. And then, of course, you have to replace the whole lock assembly, not just the tumbler. (I have an extra ;) )

Thanks
 

If anyone has actually done this, I'd be interested in how they went about it. Seems like it might be eaiser to saw through it from underneath with sawzall.

Try plan A again. Use lots of lubricant, WD-40 works best, and vibration, maybe the handle of a noisy power tool, and a good measure of patience. In a half an hour or so (or half a day) it may come out, with no destoyed parts.

And move the steering wheel back and forth while you do it.

Another forum member mentioned the use of a $30 dremmel dimond coated grinding disk. He was talking about a 126 but the process should be similar for a 123.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/58636-126-frozen-steering-lock-tumbler-removal-fairly-easy-but-long.html?highlight=key+bolt+diamond

I think you can grind the pin out without doing too much damage to the collar that it seats in.

Once you've got the whole assembly loose though you may find that you still can't turn the key. Once you've got it free try pushing in on the steering wheel lock (See http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~jjs5772/W123 for an in progress FAQ/Guide to ignition problems). If the ignition assembly itself is the problem and not the tumbler you may be able to turn the key and remove the tumbler.

That was a 30¢ diamond bit!! ;) ;)

Checked shop manual
 

Tried everything else. Looks like I'll be drilling the assembly out. I think I'll start with the tumbler. I don't see why I can't take a small drill to just before the #1 position and drill through the tumbler face, allowing me to insert the pin to free the detent, so I can pull the tumbler. After that I may still need to drill the locking pin out of the collar. I have a parts car that I'll pull the replacement pieces first to get a good look at all the parts.

I'll probably start this weekend. I'll let you know how it comes out.

opps.. hrmm well even if it was $30 its still pretty reasonable ;)

Won't help. If you can't get the tumbler turned to position #1 then you won't be able to remove the tumbler. Of course if you use a big enough drill you could completely grind up the innerds of the tumbler.

I think I can......
 

It looks like the reason that the tumbler must be turned to #1 is to align the pin hole with the detent. My idea is to create a new pin hole over the detent, allowing it to be released. This should allow the collar to be unscrewed, thus allowing the tumbler to be removed. Failing this, I'll still be able to drill the locking pin on the shaft, loosen & drop the steering column, hopefully enough to allow the tumbler to clear the dash opening, and pull the whole assy. out.

If none of this works, after jiggling the key for two days, I'm thinking maybe a pound or two of black powder.........

Get a new key from the dealer using the car's VIN. Of course, this is on the assumption that you could remove the old key and could therefore use the new key. This also happened to me with my W126. Hope this helps you.

Roman

Now there is a new idea!
 

Did'nt thought of that. I mean, yes the old key still opens the door locks, but it does look worn. I also tried what is either the valet key or a spare. It also did'nt work, but it don't look much better.

You get a new key with the new tumbler, and you'll be needing a new one anyway.

Drilling a hole was my theory too, but I got mine out before I needed to test that theory. But now that I think about it, when it locks the steering it locks itself in so it may not work, but you're sure not going to loose anything trying.

I think plastic explosives would work better, you could press some into the lock.

While drilling an extra hole would allow you to insert something into detent, the physical position of the tumbler will actually stop you from releasing it. Once you've removed the tumber you can see what I am talking about. The mechanism that gets pushed in with the tool/hex wrench/paperclip whatever, requires the tumbler to be in position 1. Not only to gain access to the hole but also to allow the tumbler to come free. Your certainly allowed to try it. But I'm trying to save you a little effort.

I've got a disassembled assembly right here in front of me. If I weren't a little pressed for time at this moment I'd take a picture to show you what I am talking about. Perhaps I'll do that later tonight.

The two attached pictures are of a disassembled tumbler. As you can see from the ring, there is a part protruding on the inside. (I am pressing the 'button' that would be pressed via the tool with my thumb). On the removed tumbler you can see the part where that protrusion fits into. Which conisides with position 1 when everything is installed.

Thanks for the info. I'll go straight to the locking pin. I hope when that whole assy. is freed up, the stress will be off the tumbler allowing it to turn on it's own.

Again, Thanks.

i have drilled out locks before and it is easy. it works. should be no problem.

don