Help removing steering lock W126
 

I am trying to remove and replace the steering lock assembly on my 84 W126 300SD. The key will turn to the second position. I have removed the
instrument cluster and bottom panel, removed the U coller and dropped the steering column. The housing is loose but I can not find the pin that releases it from the column. I followed the diesel giant article but that was for a W123.
What am I missing?

same procedure. There is a hole in the metal collar that you slide a paper clip into and you will feel it press down a pin. And then the color will come off and the tumbler will come out.

Are you saying that I need to remove the tumbler inorder to pull the entire lock assembly off the column? I thought there is a pin that holds the lock to the column.

IIRC reading the key must be in the #II position to unlock the small pin that is being ground off in the #2 and #3 photos of the DieselGiants website. (BTW, according to parts reference, the ignition lock housing is the same for the W123 and W126.)

You can just make out the small pin in magnified version of this photo: http://www.allpartsexpress.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=&yearid=1984%40%401984&makeid=MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&engineid=1 194038%40%40300SD++%2F+L5%2D2998cc+3%2E0L+DIESEL+FI++Turbo%40%40300SD&keyword=lock&subcatid=Steering +Lock+Assembly@@Steering+Lock+Assembly%2FIgnition+System&mode=PA( in the middle of the left protrusion & facing the same direction as the tumbler opening)

It's even more clear in the magnified version of this photo: http://www.***************/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1984-MERCEDES-300d&yearid=1984%40%401984&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES%40%40X&modelid=6192%40%40300D&catid=241580@@Steer ing&subcatid=241651@@Ignition+Lock+Housing&mode=PA

When I replaced the one on my SD, I just poked the release pin with something (a coat hanger I think...) through the gap between the column and the dash near the opening for the tumbler.

Have you removed the circular collar that clamps the base of the lock housing, where it meets the steering column? If not, you'll need to, as it covers the lock pin that we are talking about.

hey_ Found it, between the gap in the steering column. I used a small punch to push in the button. Thanks all for the help. On to problem number 2. Dash ilumination lights stoped working. I had already removed and jumpered the dimmer switch, also checked the fuse box. I did check the continuity between the posts on the jumpered switch and there is NO continuity.