1983 300d w123 steering lock mechanism stuck

[1016motorrad]

We are experiencing this issue. Like many I followed the procedure from Diesel Giant to grind down the little ball sticking out from the lock column. Now I have material removed, but it is still stuck. Do I just keep going? With all the grinding I cannot tell where I am at.

There was a poster where they said they used a sawzall - is that even possible?

I have no intention of restoring lock - just want to use my car

[Alec300SD]

Use a cobalt drill bit that is slightly larger than the hole that the ball rests in.
You need to drill out all of the material of the ball so it won't catch on the walls of the hole.
The metal is harder than average, and a cobalt drill bit will do the trick.
BTDT.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by Alec300SD

Use a cobalt drill bit that is slightly larger than the hole that the ball rests in.
You need to drill out all of the material of the ball so it won't catch on the walls of the hole.
The metal is harder than average, and a cobalt drill bit will do the trick.
BTDT.

Did you drill though the steering lock pin or did you drill through the lock tumbler?

You need to look up some past threads on the issue. I can't remember for sure, but you need to pull the steering collum lock out of the clamp (that you loosened) in order to release the wheel. I believe some lowered the steering collum to do that.

The other issue is that the ignition switch is at the bottom of the steering collum lock.

[1016motorrad]

I am working on the lower end, where that brass looking ball sticks ut

[Alec300SD]

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Did you drill though the steering lock pin or did you drill through the lock tumbler?

I only drilled out the material of the steering lock pin (OP called it a "ball"), to free up the locked steering wheel.

The OP hadn't yet removed enough material from the locking pin.

Much more material is removed from the steering column sleeve surrounding the locking pin when using a grinding burr.
Hence, my suggestion of using a cobalt drill to continue the task.

DieselGiant used a cone shaped grinding burr in the attached DIY link. https://www.dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

[1016motorrad]

So I just need to grind some more then? Once that is done, will the steering lock be permanently disabled? thank you in advance!

[Alec300SD]

Yes. Keep grinding until the steering pin is gone.

Then the steeing wheel will lock (quoth the raven) nevermore.
Happy New Year!