500SL steering / ignition lock !!!!!!!!!

[miles]

500SL (r129 series) 1990 steering locked up solid!
As if the pins have fired into the steering tube! I went to replace the ignition / tumbler. No problems doing that, however the steering wheel has locked up soild, as if an anti theft system has taken place. Any ideas please on how to fix the problem.
I am looking for an instruction manual or the like OR advice from someone who has already been here!!!!
I am too scared to touch it now, incase I deploy the air bag and do other damage in the process of trying to repair this complex car.
I tried crying, screaming and begging at the car. I have even sworn at it and threatened moving it on - all to no avail!!
Someone HELP PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!
I am also looking for WIS net (workshop information system - net) Mercedes Benz CD's.
Thanks in advance all. Kind regards.

Gerard milesindustries@slingshot.co.nz

[tecqboy]

Isn't there a cable on your model which connects between the steering column and the shift level which locks the steering when the key is removed and the vehicle is in "park"? Did you get that stuff back together properly when you replaced thumbler?

[miles]

Thanks for your input.
When the key is turned - that allows the gear shift lever to be moved. It works the other way around. Thats what I believe. (I might be wrong!!) As the key is turned, so it pushes the pin "in" allowing the shift lever to move out of park. I do not think this has anything to do with the steering wheel being locked.

[bobterry99]

Miles, if the steering lock engages while it is seperated from the ignition switch assembly it can no longer be disengaged. It would seem this is your situation. According to M-B the only solution is to "destroy" the steering lock. It isn't too difficult if you use a drill.

[miles]

This is along the same thoughts I have!! (DARN !!! )> The problem I have now, is where and how do I go about doing this! What do I drill and where do I drill? Does the steering have to be removed to do this job?
Is this job straight forward?
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!

[miles]

Right Folks!! Fixed > finally !!!!!!
Once pins have fired, YOU HAVE TO CUT THE LOCK > no other options!
Simple job however.
Remove the black 6mm steel bar supporting the steering (two bolts on each side).
I used a recipricating saw to cut the lock. One could use a hacksaw, however you will be there for a while! (It took me two minutes with the recipricating saw).
Cut the lock next to the side of the ignition housing. (This is the "canister"(alloy tube) that holds the key and supports the wire entry to the ignition). ENSURE ALL WIRES ARE OUT OF THE WAY!!!! The wires to the ignition should be removed, and left to hang, out of the way.
YOU WANT TO CUT IT WITHIN 5MM OF THE CANISTER.
Next, undo the nut that secures the lock to the steering tube. It is on the bottom, next to where you have just cut, probably 30mm away, gold in colour.
Use a drift to push the threaded part up into the hole. Remove this from the top. (It is a flat bar, with slots in it, and a thread at one end)
Job done!!
Replace with new lock!!
I also recommend removing the whole lock if you have to replace any part of the ignition system. It is alot easier.
One just has to turn the key to position "one", undo the nut and push the pin up. Remove pin from the top>> PRESTO!! the whole lot is out in your hands! Steering lock and ignition.
REMEMBER ONE THING THOUGH. NEVER touch the "steering lock" part, once the ignition canister has been removed from it. The lock part must always stay in position "one" setup - WHATEVER THE CASE.
Once the canister has been replaced BACK onto the lock, you can then check everything and turn the key- NOT BEFORE THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED.
I have done my best to STRESS this point.
Any problems, and you need help. I am happy to help. Email me.
Kind regards.

Gerard
milesindustries@slingshot.co.nz