Easy and Kwik w123+ steering lock defeat. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

unkl300d · #1 12-06-2016, 10:27 PM

This will work on the W123 and others with the typical steering lock.

As a stop gap measure I used an "outside spring caliper".
I had a 6 inch model at hand.
This works like a vice grip to pinch down the side button while the ignition is on with engine running.
However, it seems to depress that side button too deep ,because not only did it defeat the lock but it caused the 'key in ignition' buzzer to buzz when the key was removed and the door was opened. Once shut the buzzer went silent.

So, the permanent solution is to use a 1 1/4 inch 'circ-clip' or 'Internal retaining ring'. No buzzer side effect.

This clip is the perfect size for the w123. It slips onto the button over the steering column shaft and around that neck just under the bolted retaining ring.

I actually shaved a bit of the rounded clip end thinking that it would make life easier but in fact, 'as-is' it would have worked fine.
Perhaps removing a bit of the rounded end allowed a little wiggle room in case I need to remove it later.
The rounded end fits onto the button and you press the clip over the shaft with finger pressure. Hooked and depressed!

Done.

Even if it wiggles a bit, it depresses the detent button enough to defeat the steering lock. I placed some duct tape over the clip just to be safe, but really after testing it and the lock jiggling the clip back and forth, it was good to go.

The picture illustrates the general idea with an uninstalled lock. Even a 3 inch caliper sticks out the bottom and does not allow the panel to locate.

Be sure to install the clip with ignition in the engine running position. With engine running and trans in park, shut off engine using the emergency shut off lever. Then disconnect ground cable of battery. Now you can work.

Thanks to archived threads having similar ideas and concepts.

ThatOne · #2 12-06-2016, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

This will work on the W123 and others with the typical steering lock.

As a stop gap measure I used an "outside spring caliper".
I had a 6 inch model at hand.
This works like a vice grip to pinch down the side button while the ignition is on with engine running.
However, it seems to depress that side button too deep ,because not only did it defeat the lock but it caused the 'key in ignition' buzzer to buzz when the key was removed and the door was opened. Once shut the buzzer went silent.

So, the permanent solution is to use a 1 1/4 inch 'circ-clip' or 'Internal retaining ring'. No buzzer side effect.

This clip is the perfect size for the w123. It slips onto the button over the steering column shaft and around that neck just under the bolted retaining ring.

I actually shaved a bit of the rounded clip end thinking that it would make life easier but in fact, 'as-is' it would have worked fine.
Perhaps removing a bit of the rounded end allowed a little wiggle room in case I need to remove it later.
The rounded end fits onto the button and you press the clip over the shaft with finger pressure. Hooked and depressed!

Done.

Even if it wiggles a bit, it depresses the detent button enough to defeat the steering lock. I placed some duct tape over the clip just to be safe, but really after testing it and the lock jiggling the clip back and forth, it was good to go.

The picture illustrates the general idea with an uninstalled lock. Even a 3 inch caliper sticks out the bottom and does not allow the panel to locate.

Be sure to install the clip with ignition in the engine running position. With engine running and trans in park, shut off engine using the emergency shut off lever. Then disconnect ground cable of battery. Now you can work.

Thanks to archived threads having similar ideas and concepts.

Ooooh! That is a very nice spring caliper! Tapered square stock. Make?