126 driver's door lock question

[kerry]

84 SD, daughter's car. A few weeks ago she turned the key to the left to open the locks and it stuck in that position, wouldn't return to vertical. I jiggled and twisted for a while and eventually it returned to vertical. I put in some graphite and it's worked ok since. BUT, when returning from the left position, you can feel it 'catching' just as you turn it back towards vertical, as if something is not quite right. Anyone know what is happening and how to fix it? If it gets stuck in the left position the key can't be removed. It doesn't have that 'catch' when you turn it to the right to lock the doors and then back to vertical.

[sixto]

I think you d@mn statistics and get into the door. Release the linkage from the tumbler to figure out where it's sticking.

Sixto
83 300SD

[optimusprime]

Kerry The tumblers in side are worn . You need to remove the barrel, and with the key inside the barrel , look, and any tumbler that is sticking up is the one thats the problem .I just file it down to the same height as the others pop it back in after you put a little oil on to the tumblers.. Just did mine but i have a W124 i think the removal of the tumbler is the same. I will check for you . #

[optimusprime]

Kerry you should see a screw in line with the handle.it will be inside the door lip by the rubber seal. It is holding the barrel holder in to the handle .Turn the wrench to undo the allen pin that holds the lock part in, but dont screw it right out or you will be in a bigger mess.Put the key in and turn it to the left at the same time you can pull on the handle as if to open the door than the key section holding the barrel should come out from the door.. to work on .Mind you dont loose the small springs . All the tumblers need to be level .From what you have said you will find one or two sticking up .If you are unable to make them high ones level just remove them .I do have pictures but the up loading as gone very slow.