I keep meaning to ask this, and keep forgetting. So, here it is.

If I don't turn the steering wheel on my '85 300D so that it locks in place (with the ignition switch off and key out), the key and switch work normally. However, if I (usually accidentally) turn the steering wheel so that it does lock, it becomes difficult to turn the key. I've tried moving the steering wheel to either extreme with it locked out, and everywhere in between (only a few inches of play, as expected), and, so far, I've eventually gotten the key to turn every time, although there have been a few instances where it was having so much trouble moving that I was worried that I was going to break the key in the cylinder.

I've tried spraying WD-40 into the keyway, and didn't seem to make a difference. Any ideas? I'm worried that I'll eventually be stuck in a place, unable to turn the key at all. Thanks!

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999