another key/ steering lock question
 

My 82 300sd has a problem with the ignition,steering lock where it wouldnt turn. Thought it was just time to replace after a few jiggling episodes. But then it occured to me that I dont get the problem if I dont lock the steering wheel when I shut it down. In other words if the steering wheel doesnt lock in place there is no problem, if it does, big problem. Is it posssible that the problem is in the steering wheel locking mechanism and not the cylinder? Anyone else had this issue? Thanks.

many have had this issue, I believe the only good solution is to have the locking mechanisim replaced. you can also remove the tumbler, and block off the steering lock button, so the wheel does not lock. use google advanced search of this forum for ignition lock or something similar.

Check out www.dieselgiant.com. He has a pictorial for replacing these items.

John

Rick,
The symptoms you describe are similar to my '83 SD's. I've pulled the lock housing out, flushed it with solvent, and played around with it, and it still does the same things. If I let the column lock, it's near impossible to turn the key again once it's been out.

From what I can tell, this is a failure internal to the lock housing, not the tumbler. It seems there's a part of the housing that should have its travel limited by a catch once you remove the key. This catch doesn't, so the tab on the end that locks into the steering column can't be unlocked and retracted by inserting and turning the key. Either that, or the tab is worn down enough that it's moving too far into the column.

I'd like to pull apart my lock housing, but I can't seem to find a way around the cover plate that doesn't involve destroying it.

In the meantime, I'm going to JB-Weld the pin in place, which will prevent the tab from locking into the column at all.

I intend to get a new lock housing, and compare its operation to the failed one.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=58636&highlight=diamond+steering

FWIW.

lonewolf, could you let me know what you find. Im currently swapping engines, wont be driving it for a little while.