New tumblers, key still stuck! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jassz · #1 06-12-2003, 10:10 AM

A short while back we were having problems with the key not turning in the ignition. What I read on this board prompted me to order a new set of tumbers from the dealer. At the time my husband didn't think it was the tumblers, but the steering lock. So I ordered the tumblers when he was at work one day

(I was pretty sure they needed to be replaced anyway).

Anyway, the situation did improve and we had not further problems until yesterday. It seized again twice. The second time I couldn't get it to move (luckily in our driveway). When he got home, Hubby was able to get it to move by rocking the steering wheel back and forth very rapidly and turnign the key at the same time. He took the whole thing apart and put it back together and it seems fine again. But, I'm a worrier.

Any suggestions??

#2 06-12-2003, 10:21 AM

Are you using a new key? An old key can become problematic as it wears.

jassz · #3 06-12-2003, 10:33 AM

Well, uhm, the NEWEST key (that came with the tumbler) seems to be missing.

I'm hoping it's at work (I'm on vacation). The key we're using is a Mercedes key, and the least worn of the two we got with the car. I do have a new brass key, but that didn't work either yesterday (I try to avoid using it unless I have to... leathermang scared me with his stories!).

Hubby thinks he needs to replace the steering lock mechanism with the one from the parts car. Has anyone else had to do this?

engatwork · #4 06-12-2003, 12:28 PM

I would recommend replacing the steering lock with a NEW one. The one out of the parts car may not be in any better condition.

Lycoming-8 · #5 06-12-2003, 12:38 PM

Sounds like there may be lubrication issues. Have you shot some dry graphite lube into the key slot and have you tried to lube any of the other parts of the mechanism? Many state that WD-40 is not a "lubricant", however I have had good luck using it in areas where grease or oil would adversly affect things. It has even solved outside door lock problems for me, especially in winter.

Rick Miley · #6 06-12-2003, 02:04 PM

If you replaced the tumbler yourself last time, then you know how to do it and it won't take long. Pull it out again and test just the tumbler with the key you have. That will tell you how to proceed. Lubing your brand new tumbler won't get far since it's a separate part and the lube has no way to make it to the steering wheel lock. If the tumbler works fine by itself, then continue on. The steering wheel lock won't be hard to access if you pull the cluster out and drop the kick panel. Oh, if you had someone else replace the tumbler then disregard this transmission.

gawlbpd · #7 06-12-2003, 03:49 PM

Where do we get "New" Steering Wheel Locks? I've looked on FastLane, and they have everything but that. Is there a different name for it? Mine locks up also, especially if I'm on a slope.

83 300SD 174K

Rick Miley · #8 06-12-2003, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gawlbpd
Where do we get "New" Steering Wheel Locks? I've looked on FastLane, and they have everything but that.

PartsShop - Fastlane doesn't have everything, just the most common stuff.

Edit: the above link is for the W123. Here is the one for a W126.

jassz · #9 06-12-2003, 05:00 PM

Hmmm, lubricating the steering mechanism and steering lock sounds like it might have some merit. I noticed a creaking sound when steering today. It sounds like something is too dry.

Engatwork, the parts car we have has pretty low mileage, so even though overall the car is not in good shape (you could stick your hand through the perforation holes) many of the parts are in really good shape. If nothing else, it is often a good place to practice removing/installing parts.

Thanks for your help guys!

Rick Miley · #10 06-12-2003, 05:27 PM

Now that's it. A practice car! That's what my 240D is.

engatwork · #11 06-12-2003, 05:33 PM

LOL - I'm driving my practice car

.
If it is under 150k miles then yes, it would probably be worthwhile to get it out of the spare parts car.

P.E.Haiges · #12 06-12-2003, 11:46 PM

I think its normal for the steering to make the key difficult to turn if the wheels are cocked so the steering is putting force on the steering lock.

Mine does it frequently and I have to turn the wheel slightly so the lock will release.

P E H

jassz · #13 06-13-2003, 12:18 AM

Quote:

I think its normal for the steering to make the key difficult to turn if the wheels are cocked so the steering is putting force on the steering lock.

I would describe our problem as 'beyond normal'. Maybe even paranormal.:p It shouldn't take 40 minutes of frigging to get it to turn.

It has been fine today. Maybe taking it apart yesterday and reinstalling it did something.

psfred · #14 06-13-2003, 10:37 PM

Toss all the old keys after you get new ones -- even the steel keys can eventually wear and stick -- I had this problem on the 220D. Needless to say, it takes about 20 years, but the old key sticks in the old tumbler set, and the new one works just fine.

Definitely loose the brass key.

Peter