Revisiting "The Steering Lock Issue"

1604 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by mokymoky, Dec 9, 2003

d2e

Discussion Starter · Sep 9, 2003

I'm getting feedback from my mechanic, as well as parts companies and MB service centers, that the underlying problem to my steering wheel lock up is probably the Steering Lock Assembly.

Therefore, it's been recommended to replace the Steering Lock Assembly with a new one and not just replace the Ignition Lock Cylinder (or, the "ignition tumbler"). I posted my lockup experience here for those who want to read it: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=49888&id=13&view=t )

If this is the case, then here is my new question for everyone here - what are your opinions on getting a USED steering lock assembly vs. a new one? I have found one online for about $50 used and thinking about searching junk yards in the area for one. A new lock assembly costs $240.

My first plan was to replace the ignition tumbler and hope that would resolve this issue. One MB service dept. told me to proceed in this way and so has my mechanic. All others have said to just replace the steering lock assembly, along with getting a new ignition tumbler.

Needless to say, I am back at square one with this situation, although I'm doing my best to keep my steering wheel from locking until I can get this all under control.

What's your opinion?

Thanks.

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Ed Mclass

· #2 · Sep 9, 2003

Replace New

You cannot be sure that the "used" one will work any better over a long period of time. If you plan on selling the car, maybe you can go cheap, but because I dislike paying labor costs twice for the same job, I think I would go new and forget it. The car is worth it after all.

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dfwdiesel

· #3 · Sep 9, 2003

My first plan was to replace the ignition tumbler and hope that would resolve this issue. ...

My first plan was to replace the ignition tumbler and hope that would resolve this issue. One MB service dept. told me to proceed in this way and so has my mechanic. All others have said to just replace the steering lock assembly, along with getting a new ignition tumbler.

Most of my pals who drive older Mercedes just go for the key and tumbler. They can be a DIY project under $100.

I haven't seen a steering lock assembly wear out, but I have seen them ruined by people trying to break/drill out the tumbler. Some service people are very sophisticated at working on late model cars, but have less experience with older Mercedes.

A possible solution would be to replace the key/tumbler and see if it works well, if it still fights back, go for the steering lock assembly. You will be amazed at how easy the tumbler comes out. Ask to watch.
John Gregg

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mokymoky

· #4 · Dec 8, 2003

RE: Revisiting "The Steering Lock Issue"

Hi, I have the same problem. Tried to remove ignition cylinder with the special tool following instructions from Haynes manual, I can feel the pins pushing down the retaining clips, but when I tried to pull out the cylinder, it appears to be held in place by the black collar around the cylinder... is there a way to remove the black collar first? my car is a European 1991 190E. Thanks.

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GeeS

· #5 · Dec 8, 2003

RE: Revisiting "The Steering Lock Issue"

d2e - 9/9/2003 9:10 AM

If this is the case, then here is my new question for everyone here - what are your opinions on getting a USED steering lock assembly vs. a new one? I have found one online for about $50 used and thinking about searching junk yards in the area for one. A new lock assembly costs $240.

A used lock assembly may not be a bad way to go, but I can supply you with a brand new one for $65 if you're interested.

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GeeS

· #6 · Dec 8, 2003

RE: Revisiting "The Steering Lock Issue"

mokymoky - 12/8/2003 4:21 AM

Hi, I have the same problem. Tried to remove ignition cylinder with the special tool following instructions from Haynes manual, I can feel the pins pushing down the retaining clips, but when I tried to pull out the cylinder, it appears to be held in place by the black collar around the cylinder... is there a way to remove the black collar first? my car is a European 1991 190E. Thanks.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the black collar just unscrews...

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mokymoky

· #7 · Dec 9, 2003

RE: Revisiting "The Steering Lock Issue"

Hi guys,

Amazing thing happened, didn't have to change the tumbler after all.. I found that if I shifted the gear lever (automatic transmission) from the P position out of the slot a little and back in again, I could remove the key without any problems.. no need to move it out to R, just kinda of jiggled it out of the P slot.. in my case I think that the key could not be taken out because the gear lever was not quite in the P position... I suggest those with the stuck key try this out before changing the barrel.. thanks for the advice.. in case I need to change the tumbler next time for whatever the reason, I can try to unscrew the collar first..[

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