Yes they can the two handles are identical and will quite happily work on either side,I know as I've done it in the past.Just be careful when taking the handle off when it moves but feels like its catching on something it is,just jiggle it off don't be tempted to give it one sharp pull:eek:

This is what I did on my drivers door on my 91 300D. Same problem. Key would not turn. I sprayed brake cleaner in the lock cyl then blew it out with an air hose. Repeated several times. Also would spray the brake cleaner then insert the key several times then blow it out. Did this until the key started working. Then used lock grafite (sp) lube. Total job time was about 2 or 3 min. Was done about 1 year ago and still working.

hmm my lock is doing the same thing.. i guess ill take it out and rebuild it like the author of this post did

That's the real beauty of these cars.... You can repair them at a minimal cost.

It's also the great value of this forum... You can find out how to repair them by people who have done the job and are willing to share the information.

Interesting article here on re-keying similar locks that explains the "leaves" and springs well.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_lock_rekey/mult_lock_rekey.htm

Pictures would really help other members.
 

Pictures would really help other members.

If anyone has a chance to add pictures, please remember to note which year, make, model, door/trunk/glove box, for each lock/picture.

It is fun to tinker with them.

I have added this thread to:
ShopForum > Technical Information and Support > Diesel Discussion
Organized MB DIY links post: Steering:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/135055-organized-mb-diy-links.html

When I get around to fixing mine I'll post pictures. I didn't get to it today. I got distracted by some a$$ rear ending me in my other car then speeding off. :mad:

I'm trying this process this morning. And I will be startring within m inutes. If I get anywhere, I'll be snapping pics.

yes yes take pics so i dont screw up.. id like to be able to lock my car at school

Did you pop a few caps in their hoopty? :D

MVK wrote:

"The key would go in but not twist. All other mechanism of locking were good. So I was sure that it was the lock cylinder".


I hope you will not consider my question as being stupid, but when you wrote that key would not twist in the lock - did you mean that it would not twist to any position - either the right (locking position), or the left (unlocking position)?

The reason for my question is that since last week my driver's side door lock ( '84 300Sd T/D) key will not twist to the right (locking position), but does twist to the left (unlocking position). WD40 and machine oil have not helped at all. So I am wondering if I have a similar problem to what you had.

OK. I didn't really get too far. I ended up just trading for the passenger side (my drivers side was siezed). For those who inquire about locks that are completely siezed, plan on breaking the rod that connects the rod to the lock mechanism inside the door. I couldn't get it out without doing so. JB Weld? As for removing the actual cylinder, I didn't really see a means to seperate it from the housing with out some special tools. It actuaslly looks like it's riveted in. Good luck!

You are most likely going to find a worn out leaf holder (tumbler I beleive?) and the leaf no longer moves properly.

Mine did this too...before it got REALLY bad and just stopped working all together.

Thanks for the reply, Brandon - my thoughts also.

I've got mine all apart and cleaned up. You wouldn't believe all of the goo that was in there. All of the leaves move freely now. When I took it apart most were totally frozen. I have been documenting the procedure and will post it when I am finished.