Removal of steering lock bar in 83 300sd - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

neumann · #1 01-29-2013, 08:34 PM

What are the ramifications of removing the steering wheel lock bar that is in the assembly?

It is easily removable. I should say it is easily removable when you have the "T" assembly is already removed from the column.

I recently did this to a friends 83sd and I am looking for feedback.

vstech · #2 01-29-2013, 08:39 PM

... the steering wheel will no longer lock, so there is nothing to stop any thief from getting away with your vehicle if they break a window...

neumann · #3 01-29-2013, 08:41 PM

They would have to Hotwire it correct? Or you still need the key correct?

kerry · #4 01-29-2013, 09:02 PM

The best implication is that if the lock fails, your steering wheel is still usable. I say take them all out. I had a locking mechanism fail on my daughter's 84SD and the locking pin dropped into place, seizing the steering wheel. It happened as I was turning out of a parking place. Good thing it didn't happen at 50mph on a winding road. How many people on here have had a thief deterred by a locked steering wheel? How would a thief know it wasn't locked when all the other 123's are?

neumann · #5 01-29-2013, 09:10 PM

So far there are no major issues brought forward. Is the lock there simply as a deterrent or does it have any other connection to charging, accessories modes or shutoff? I have not seen any but it's only been a short time since the modification.

winmutt · #6 01-29-2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

... the steering wheel will no longer lock, so there is nothing to stop any thief from getting away with your vehicle if they break a window...

This is the diesel forum right? Pretty sure you can catch up with them on foot!

qwerty · #7 01-29-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

How many people on here have had a thief deterred by a locked steering wheel?

To whom do deterred thieves submit their activity reports?

kerry · #8 01-29-2013, 09:40 PM

Around here, there's a Minister of Unsuccessful Thefts who accepts and classifies the reports.

Diesel911 · #9 01-30-2013, 12:31 AM

Since the Part of My Ignition Lock/Steering Colum Housing broke that turns the Ignition Switch I have tried to see If I could remove the rod inside that does the Locking (the broken one is out of the Car and the new one is on the way).

On the End opposite the part that slides into the Steering Colum there is a round corner sort of Square Plate than is crimped onto the Housing. I ground the Crimp off and tried to pull that Plate out just enough to peek inside. I had absolutely no luck Some where further down the Plate is attached to something.

Apparently the thing is pieced together like a Chinese Puzzle.

What I did find is that if you turn the Key so that the Rod is retracted all the way and you push in that Pin and used tape to hold the pin down that depressed Pin (The one you have to grind to remove the Steering Lock when the Tumbler is stuck) will keep the rod from extending.

I was looking into this for the same reason; I would like to disable the Steering Lock on the New Steering Colum Lock when it arrives.

I think if the Locking Rod is retracted and the Pin is depressed the Pin can be held in if the soft Metal around it is staked and the cavity is filled with JB Weld. But, I won't know until I try.
Right now I have the Pin taped down on mine and it does not seem to have a negative effect on any function of the Tumbler.
I don't know if that Pin needs to be extendid to line up the Steering Colum Lock or not. there is what looks like an alignment pin on the opposite side cast into the Metal that I hope takes care of the alignment.

If any one can tell me how to get the thing apart and remover the Locking Rod let Me know.

kerry · #10 01-30-2013, 12:47 AM

Can't help but I do know that the locking pin can separate from the upstream part of the mechanism of it's own accord. That's what happened to my daughter's 84SD.

pmckechnie · #11 01-30-2013, 07:47 AM

Did any of you know that GM did away with the steering lock on the trucks several years ago? Nothing said, no news reports, nothing.
So, just remove the pin and say nothing and the thieves won't know.
Problem solved.
Paul

neumann · #12 01-30-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Since the Part of My Ignition Lock/Steering Colum Housing broke that turns the Ignition Switch I have tried to see If I could remove the rod inside that does the Locking (the broken one is out of the Car and the new one is on the way).

On the End opposite the part that slides into the Steering Colum there is a round corner sort of Square Plate than is crimped onto the Housing. I ground the Crimp off and tried to pull that Plate out just enough to peek inside. I had absolutely no luck Some where further down the Plate is attached to something.

Apparently the thing is pieced together like a Chinese Puzzle.

What I did find is that if you turn the Key so that the Rod is retracted all the way and you push in that Pin and used tape to hold the pin down that depressed Pin (The one you have to grind to remove the Steering Lock when the Tumbler is stuck) will keep the rod from extending.

I was looking into this for the same reason; I would like to disable the Steering Lock on the New Steering Colum Lock when it arrives.

I think if the Locking Rod is retracted and the Pin is depressed the Pin can be held in if the soft Metal around it is staked and the cavity is filled with JB Weld. But, I won't know until I try.
Right now I have the Pin taped down on mine and it does not seem to have a negative effect on any function of the Tumbler.
I don't know if that Pin needs to be extendid to line up the Steering Colum Lock or not. there is what looks like an alignment pin on the opposite side cast into the Metal that I hope takes care of the alignment.

If any one can tell me how to get the thing apart and remover the Locking Rod let Me know.

On the 300sd there was an additional "button" that was used to hold the rod in its proper position. Push or punch that through and then take a punch or screwdriver and give the end of the rod a few whacks and the rod will pop the cover off and the rod will be free to be removed. Another step prior to the others is to remove the cam like piece that has a small BB like retainer. The piece is maybe one third inch long and is easily removed as well.

I should have took pics but was concentrating on uncharted waters.

Diesel911 · #13 01-30-2013, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neumann

On the 300sd there was an additional "button" that was used to hold the rod in its proper position. Push or punch that through and then take a punch or screwdriver and give the end of the rod a few whacks and the rod will pop the cover off and the rod will be free to be removed. Another step prior to the others is to remove the cam like piece that has a small BB like retainer. The piece is maybe one third inch long and is easily removed as well.

I should have took pics but was concentrating on uncharted waters.

On mine something under that spot appears to be soldered in place.

Maybe you are speaking of the part unside of the Blue Circle on this pic I barrowed from one of our Members?
On mine something under that spot appears to be soldered in place.

The red Arrow points to the Pin you depress to remove the Lock From the Steering Colum when your Key Tumbler can be lined up properly or have to grind down if you cannot turn the Tumbler to the proper spot to remove the Tumbler.

.