Steering lock and ignition tumbler removal issues..
 

OK, the key is beginning to become difficult to turn, sometimes won't budge at all. So, I decided to replace both steering lock and the tumbler. I've removed the kick panel, the instrument gauge panel and removed the bolts holding the steering column up. I'm using a small allen wrench to try and depress the steering lock release button with no success. It seems as though it is stuck. So, I read that perhaps removing the tumbler first might allow easier removal of the steering lock. Any ideas or thoughts are appreciated.

This on a 1984 300DT, BTW.

I don't know if you need to remove the tumbler first, but that's how I've done it in the past.

I just removed both the tumbler and the steering lock! It wasn't easy.....I had to raise the steering wheel up to go ahead and remove the ignition key cover....after that smooth sailing! I feel like I just removed an impacted wisdom tooth out of someone's head! Hopefully won't have to do this one again for some time........

Well that is all well and good. But remember, when you put it all together you might really feel like you are putting a compacted wisdom tooth into someones head. Well, it might not be quite that bad, but it isn't fun. Take your time, it will go together. I am going to put mine back together tomorrow. I don't like the job, I have done it before so I know it's possible.

Key needs to be unlocked to depress that button I think. Tumber removed=unlocked but I think it can be depressed with the key in the ignition as long as it's unlocked.

OK, have the steering lock locked into the housing...was that ever difficult. Does the clamp with the 10mm bolt clamp around the black tubing attached to the steering column?? (the black tube that the steering lock inserts into)

Sure wish you had taken pictures to share.... or perhaps you did and have not posted them yet ?

Sorry, my camera is crap but I will try and get some photos to put up. The hardest part of this was installing the lock into the steering column with the tumbler already installed. I didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but managed to make it work.

At least you did not wait until the key would not turn it... that is a really bad situation from what I have read... something about ' theft control measures ' built in..... LOL

Yeah, that's where the clamp goes. I tried putting mine back with the tumbler installed and decided it was easier to take out the tumber and install it once the switch assembly was installed.

Thanks, I'm going to button it up over the weekend and give it a test drive. Sometimes I wish I had a new car.....

It was getting real close to that which is why I'm in the middle of doing this now. I didn't want to get stranded in some parking lot full of muggers waiting on a tow truck. They've made these cars not only theft proof, but owner proof as well!

Buttoned it all up tonight, started it and went out for a test drive. Everything went well until I came home and then the car would not turn off!!! Finally, I realized that the two new vacuum lines I had replaced on the steering lock were slightly too large and were allowing air to get in, thus the car would not shut down. Replaced them with the originals (while the car is still running....) and then the car turned off...thank goodness!

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There's also the manual shut-off, which I'm sure you know about if you're replacing vacuum tubes and ignitions.

My ignition just locked up on me this morning after I had driven it home from a church gig.. Didn't have any key turning problems whatsoever.. just out of nowhere. Where did you order your ignition parts? It looks like I'll be doing the same thing you did.
-Cody

When the engine would not shut off, I hit the stop lever several times and it still would not shut off! So, I took a big beach towel and stuffed it into the air inlet hoping that would stop it, still no joy. I believe it was the loose connections at the steering lock that were allowing air in that foiled my attempts at engine shut down. Once I took the vacuum lines from the old unit and placed them on the new unit, I was able to shut it down. I was getting kind of worried as it was evening and I thought I might have to leave the car running all night! The neighbors would have enjoyed listening to diesel clatter while they slept :cool:.

I purchased the steering lock and tumbler from the dealer. You have to show them proof that you own the car. Be sure and replace BOTH the steering lock and the tumbler at the same time as they both wear together. Try and do the job on a weekend if possible and take breaks when it starts to get frustrating. I found taking that taking the old tumbler out was the only way to get the old steering lock to release. Still a major pain, but it's done now. Hopefully I won't have to deal with this one again for a long time.........