1979 240d has a sticky steering column lock.
Hangs up about every third time.
Is this a hard replacement w/o special tools?

Try some graphite before you replace..it might help..

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

also do a search - this is a good diyer type of job. I recently replaced the tumbler and steering lock in my 300D. Tumbler $66 from MB and steering lock - if I remember correctly - around $160.
Don't let it quit working altogether on you.

__________________
Jim

Hi

For pics of the tumbler removed, and an explanation of what you don't want to see, check out this link:

Engatwork's pics



jeric

To help you with your problem and to save server space,hit the search button at the top of the page,and type IGNITION LOCKS. I think you'll find that this thread has been thoroughly covered. Good luck.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

tnx all:

i squirted powdered graphite in and the problem has cleared up--so far.

shud I considered it fixed or is a final, permanent lockup on the way? That lock is a pricey item.

usually i'm from the "if it ain't broke-- don't fix it" school of maintenance. But I sure don't want to have to graduate to the university of "get a bigger hammer."

BTW, MgB mechanic tells me NOT to use WD-40 in there because of electrical connections. Does that make sense?

Ouch. I don't want to get anywhere near that.

gW you do not want to mess around with this one. Get the $$ together and replace the tumbler and steering column lock mechanism. I thought mine had turned its final time and put a drill motor/bit on the hole that the key slides into and it did not even make a SCRATCH

You do not want it to get where it will not turn.

__________________
Jim