Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-27-2005, 10:37 AM
R Leo's Avatar
Stella!
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: En te l'eau Rant
Posts: 5,393
W123 Steering Column Lock Reliability Concern/Fix

Last Monday, Lilly's ('84 300D) steering column lock failed. Unable to pick the lock I called a locksmith, whose picking attempts were also unsucessful. Ultimately, the locksmith used a Dremel tool with an abrasive cut-off disk to cut the hardened face of the lock into quarters so that it could be removed and expose the Zamak lock cylinder so that it could then be drilled out. Even after removing the pieces of the cylinder, the column still could not be turned and further 'surgery' was needed.

As it turned out, the key part of the mechanism had not failed. The real problem was caused by a broken part in the assembly which closes the warning circuit switch when the key is inserted into the ignition. This piece broke loose (probably due to age), blocking the cylinder from rotating far enough to pull the locking pin out of the steering column or making the necessary electrical contacts to start the engine. 3.5 hours and $214.56 after the locksmith arrived, I had a running car sporting a pile of metal debris and broken cut-off disks on the floormat.

Achtung!! Vorsicht!!!
It's been said before but I'll repeat: When this part fails you are a captive audience until the locking assembly has been destroyed and extracted from the steering column. Fortunately for me, we have extra vehicles to use and SWMBO's car was in a relatively secure location. Even so, this exercise was a huge inconvience but, it was nothing compared to what it would have been like had this happened at a Dennys parking lot in Hearne, TX or a truck stop in Santa Rosa, NM.

Yesterday, I pulled a replacement column lock assembly from one of my parts cars and noted that the column locking pin only moves about 1/4" to engage and lock the steering column. Right then I decided to disable the column locking mechanism on all my cars by grinding-down the locking pin far enough so that it cannot engage the steering column. I may be compromising an anti-theft feature of the vehicle but, at least if the lock assembly fails, I can hot-wire the car to get it running and move it to a safer or more convenient location for repair.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Last edited by R Leo; 02-27-2005 at 01:29 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-27-2005, 11:27 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,971
I had never contemplated the hot-wiring of a 123, but I suppose that one would need to disconnect the shut-off actuator in order for the engine to run with the switch in the "off" position. Disabling the steering lock certainly seems like a reasonable idea. It could solve another problem that I was facing-nothing to do this afternoon.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
w123 Steering dead spot, still - after much work MonsieurBon Tech Help 26 04-29-2005 01:04 AM
How to remove steering lock? Great Boob Diesel Discussion 18 10-13-2004 11:44 AM
Steering Lock for 1972 MBenz 280SE 4.5 Kenneth51 Tech Help 0 09-16-2004 05:41 PM
Jammed Steering lock TonyFromWestOz Tech Help 2 03-29-2004 10:02 AM
steering offset geometry bobbyv Mercedes-Benz Wheels & Tires 0 08-19-1999 09:20 PM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page