Steering wheel lock problem

[bgkast]

My car has started having a problem with the steering wheel lock not allowing the key to turn. It takes a lot of wiggling of the steering wheel, swearing and kicking of the front tires to start the car now. This problem started fairly suddenly yesterday. Once you get the key to turn past the wheel lock position there are no problems. Anybody have any ideas?

[engatwork]

Sounds like you need to replace the steering wheel lock. If you don't know the history of the tumbler replace it too. Do a search on tumbler and you will have plenty to read for awhile.

[Brian Carlton]

You may already know this, but you have to take the tension off the steering wheel lock in order to turn the key. The SD won't allow you to turn the key unless you do this. But, once you get into the habit..........it's automatic.

Now, if the lock cylinder is failing, you best get a new one.......post haste. If you get to the point where you cannot turn the key........you are looking at a very expensive repair. To change the lock cylinder takes 20 minutes after you have purchased a new one from the dealer. Don't wait another minute on this.

[Hirnbeiss]

http://www.huf-group.com/opencms/export/huf_de/daten.html

[bgkast]

Yep, I know about turning the wheel to get the tension off of the lock, but this seems to be a different issue. I can turn the wheel until I am blue in the face but it does not seem to help. What parts should I be looking to replace and will I still be able to use my same key? Thanks.

[jbaj007]

This piece, but the 123 diesel vacuum switch version if different. This gives you an idea though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-280-300-420-500-New-Steering-Lock-Switch_W0QQitemZ8060969819QQcategoryZ6763QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[bgkast]

I guess it was the steering lock after all. I replaced the cylinder and it locked up again. After a long and frustrated wiggling session the key will still not budge. Does anybody have any advice on how to get the key to turn again so I can get the new cylinder out and replace or disable the steering lock? Thank you. –Bryan

[Diesel Giant]

I did one and did a pictorial on it.

http://dieselgiant.com/repairignitionlock.htm

[bgkast]

Yeah, I saw it, but I was hoping I could find a way to do it with out tearing the whole dash apart.

How does the wheel lock work? Since I know the tumbler is good is there a chance that I could use brute force to disengage the wheel lock?

Edit: I re-read your pictorial and can't figure out which pin you ground down. Do you have a "before" picture? Was all of the grinding damage limited to the ignition lock?

[Hirnbeiss]

It shows where to drill the hole in the tumbler face if you can't get the key to position II to allow the wire to work.
I saw it for sale on the internet once about two years ago.

[mespe]

The steering wheel lock will lock the steering wheel when the key is pulled OUT. I was able to pinch the end of the locking mechanism so that the steering wheel is never locked. i.e. the locking tab never protrudes from the shaft. I never had the can't turn the key problem again. Cost = .02¢

Marty

[jimdbrr]

I had the same problem this week. You've got to get the key into the second position, then stick a paper clip into the little hole at the outside of the ring around the tumbler (with the key still in). Wiggle it around and it will go in futher and the key and tumbler should come out together. I didn't have time to fix the steering lock so I cut a small cube of plastic about 1/8 x 1/8 and filled it to fit in the hole down in the tumbler hole that has the tappered movable deal that keeps the lock from engaging. I then put the tumbler (with key in it ) back in with the little plastic block still jammed in. Works great but the car won't shut off and the radio only plays rapp..........! it works fine but the key buzer stays on till you close the door cost $0

[bgkast]

I decided to give the thing one more try before I got out the dremel and I got it free! I also think I have found the problem. There is a little wedge behind the tumbler that needs to be depressed to disengage the steering lock. I have attached pictures of the inside of the lock in the following positions:1)ignition off steering lock not engaged, 2)ignition off steering lock engaged, and 3) wedge depressed and ignition partially turned.

It seems that my wedge is slightly gummed up and will sometimes not spring back properly. I think I will take out the steering lock and see if I can free it up.

To those that are more familiar with the lock device does this fix sound plausible, and how can I tell if the steering lock mechanism is worn? Also what depresses the wedge with the cylinder in place? There does not seem to be an obvious mechanism for depressing it on the back of the cylinder. Thank you.

[bgkast]

After playing with it more I am not sure that the "sticky wedge" is the problem. Does any body know about the quality of the $78.45 one on fastlane or should I shell out $200+ for the OEM part?

[jwhughes3]

see my post here

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=155285

I had a time with it bit it's smooth as silk now without the locking bolt.

John