STEERING LOCK broke! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TimK · #16 01-26-2005, 11:07 AM

I had a similiar problem with my 85 300D. It took a considerable amount of jiggling of the key to get the steering lock to disengage so I could turn the key. I dreaded hearing the steering wheel lock clicking sound when I got out of the car because I knew I would have to fight it when I got back into the car. So I followed the advice of this forum and had the tumbler replaced. This helped a lot. However there were times when I still had problems with the ignition switch, it just wasn't as bad before. (I had this done at the dealer and I think they charged me $110 for it). If you had the magic touch like I did, I could start it. My wife on the other hand did not have my fine skills and refused to drive the car until I fixed it.

I took the lock assembly of the steering column out of the dash. It appears that even with a fresh lock the stearing wheel lock assembly must have worn and it was not releasing like it was suppose to. I found away to defeat the steering lock. Although my steering wheel no longer locks, the key assembly turns as smooth as butter now.

This is what I did. The entire assembly needs to be removed from the steering column. There is a shaft that fits into a socket on the column. Within this shaft is another shaft that is spring loaded. It is the inner shaft that can be pushed in with the finger or if the key is turned the inner shaft is withdrawn. This allow the steering column to be unlocked. I drilled a whole across the outer shaft and placed a pin through it thereby not letting the innershaft to protrude out the end. (I made the pin out of a small piece of Oxy-Acy welding rod.) There is a small nub on the side of the shaft that aligns with a whole in the steering column socket. This is there to prevent the assembly from being removed if the key is not installed. This needs to be ground off smooth with dremel tool. The entire assembly is ready to re-install. The last thing to do is not to attach the two wire connector under the ignition switch that is for the key buzzer.

Yes, I know I have defeated a well engineered security system on my 300D. I still need a key, and yes the proper key, to start the engine. I just don't have the steering wheel locked anymore. In this operation only the switch assembly was modified, not the car itself. If I choose I can still by a complete replacement assembly if I wanted to. As of right not the key turns as smooth as butter I tell you.

TimK

JamesStein · #17 01-26-2005, 11:15 AM

You can see pictures of disabling the steering wheel lock on my not-yet-finished page on W123 ingnition assemblies.

http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~jjs5772/W123/#swappingshaft

I had to do this on a used assembly I purchased to replace a broken one.

Edit: Now that I look at that page.. I realize I reaaaaly need to finsih and re-organize it

admanles · #18 01-26-2005, 12:08 PM

So James, I think I might have asked you before, but my steering wheel lock is giving me problems with my w116. As long as I keep the key in the ignition, no problems. Is disabling the Steering Wheel Lock the same for my w116 as your 123? The inside of my lock assembly looks a little different than yours. Looks like you have a white plastic piece where mine does not have that, and I also see a metal "pin" coming out of the "11 o'clock" position, and I don't have that either.

I thought when I replaced the tumbler it would solve the problem, but if I take the key out, and put it back in, sometimes it would "catch" and I would not be able to turn the ignition without giggling the key.

Thanks

Les

JamesStein · #19 01-26-2005, 12:45 PM

Unfortunately I've never touched a 116 so I really don't know.

The white plastic piece in the 123's assembly is for the vacuum kill switch and isn't really related to the steering wheel lock.

The part numbers are not the same as the assembly for the 123 so it may be a little different.

However, if you pull the assmebly from the car you will probably see a way to disable the steering wheel lock. I can't imagine they changed things all that much.

If you do pull and and can take some pictures. It might be obvious by looking at it what you can do.

admanles · #20 01-26-2005, 06:24 PM

Thanks James. When I pull it out, I'll take photos, may be able to help a fellow w116er one day.

Les

JDmills · #21 01-26-2005, 10:41 PM

Uninformed question: What are the symptoms that we need to be aware of on the ignition key lock again? Please correct me where I go wrong.

If one has to wiggle the steering wheel to get the lock to turn that is ok. (up to a point)

But if one cannot turn the key, as in the ignition cylinder acts frozen, until you remove the key and turn it over, and it then works, THAT IS THE TIME ONE NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION??

Jason