Quote:
Originally Posted by soothappens
Replace the steering lock assembly.
I was using a flat file to turn mine on and off as well. I was waiting for Mercedes to get my new tumbler in.
When I got the tumbler and new key all worked well for about a day. Now I find it sticking again.
Inside the assembly there are two more locks. One locks the barrel from turning without the key (the triangle looking one you can see ) .
The other is deeper in the mechanism. This is a small spring loaded pin that is engaged when the steering lock cam releases the rod into the column.
If the rod doesn't enter the column the pin will not engage into lock mode. (the reason for turning the wheel all the way) .
Once this pin engages it locks the rod preventing it from being pushed back into the assembly.
To reset the key has to turn and the pin rides up a slope this disengages the steering rod. I have found the sloped portion gets worn bad . This causes the pin to mushroom out the hole its in and start binding up.
The file will work for now but if that pin gets stuck you will have to grind the locking pin to remove the assembly.
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The same has happened on the 82. New tumbler and key worked a few days and is now hanging up. I noticed after pulling the old tumbler that the little spring loaded rampy piece inside the lock mech was hanging up intermittently. I cleaned it best I could in place but it apparently is worn enough that it still will jam.
I told my daughter that when she shuts off the car to avoid moving the steering wheel straight to keep the lock from engaging.
She leaves for travel in November hopefully it will last till then.