Whats the secret to replacing the ignition tumbler?

[chasinthesun]

Ive had this issue on another car and had to drill out the pin .So its happened again but caught this one early ,the only problem in this case is the collar doesnt want to release to unscrew.Im using a very small allen wrench ,yeah ,that tiniest little one that looks like a tooth pick ,It fits nicely in the hole once Ive reached the auxillary key position ,I have to wiggle the key a bit to find the lock pin release and can feel it edge across its surface but no go on collar removal ,any tricks is helpful .Oh ,and I went to my parts car with the same results.

[Diesel911]

You have had experience grinding the pin. You may end up having to do that again.

Maybe you need a fatter Allen Wrench or other pin or wire.

I am assuming this is a W123. I know that when I did mine I was fooled when turning the tumbler I saw what I thought was hole and it turned out it was a roll pin and I needed to turn further passed it.

There is a tool that is a sleeve with some soft rubber or plastic coating that is supposed to grip the outer tumbler sleeve I have not read of anyone ever having that.
Many years ago there was at least one member that was not able to rotate the tumbler sleeve so it does happen occasionally.

Below is a pic of mine.

[Junkman]

Push up on the end of the allen wrench. That will push down on the end that's in the tumbler and fully retract the locking tab that prevents the cover from rotating.

I had to remove the square dash trim piece to get a decent enough grip to turn the cover on a 126. (the trim was bad anyway & needed to be replaced) I don't know about a 123. I've had oil filter wrenches that tightened when turned. Something similar would be helpful.

[jbach36]

Check YouTube and see Kent Bergsma's video about it.

[SD Blue]

I used a large paper clip with the tip ground of at an angle. The angle helps to allow the pin to slip in and release the locking tab. (Put the bevel towards the key.)

[Zulfiqar]

I have had this problem, I found a shrek sized paper clip and made some edges on it, no dice.

removed the little piece surrounding the ignition, put a little piece of rubber (my wife uses them to open jam jars) - and then used my knipex water pump pliers to jiggle the whole thing along with said paper clip in the holes and it popped loose.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

I have had this problem, I found a shrek sized paper clip and made some edges on it, no dice.

removed the little piece surrounding the ignition, put a little piece of rubber (my wife uses them to open jam jars) - and then used my knipex water pump pliers to jiggle the whole thing along with said paper clip in the holes and it popped loose.

The term water pump pliers is on old mechanics tests and I had to look up what they were.
I found it references to what people more commonly call "channel locks" somewhat like people asking for a Coke in a restaurant and get some generic Cola.

[gatorblue92]

I used a couple pieces of old wire coat hanger with a beveled tip to change mine. You do need to spread the two wires apart (pushing the release pins inward) while attempting to unscrew the collar IIRC. I remember it was a pretty tricky job when I did it on my W124 wagon.

[Clemson88]

My trick is to never let a car know how impatient I am. I never reveal to the victim just how badly I need/want/have to get done and move on to something I enjoy.

[Zulfiqar]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

The term water pump pliers is on old mechanics tests and I had to look up what they were.
I found it references to what people more commonly call "channel locks" somewhat like people asking for a Coke in a restaurant and get some generic Cola.

I had to relearn all tool names in USA. the pliers known as water pumps to me were called monkey pliers when I first used them.

its quite an interesting change.

adjustable wrench was nigel
speed handle was wobbly
U joint was wobbly socket
channel locks was water pumps and before was monkey wrench
wrench was spanner

and a whole lot others.

anyway - reason I said knipex brand water pump pliers was because its has a 3 sided grip on the application rather than 2 sided of an american channel locks

[HuskyMan]

Purchase the entire ignition lock assembly including the electrical switch and a new vacuum cut off switch. Replacing only the ignition lock tumbler will leave you frustrated and afraid. The problem is the entire unit wears as a unit; replacing one without the other results in a train wreck. Ditto on Kent Bergsma's video.

Life is too short; your nerves will end up shot to hades; do it right or don't do it at all.