ignition barrel/steering lock

[Gary Baxter]

Would someone be kind and tell me how I can take the ignition barrel from the steering column of my 280sl. I understand there is a set process for this operation.

Many thanks

Gary Baxter

[cfm65@me.com]

Gary,
As far as I know, you have to go through the instruments. Many years ago I did this job on my LHD 230SL. I believe a small part of the centre instument panel is removable on the later models.
On my LHD 230SL, remove the far left panel above your left knee. Remove the RPM gauge, loosen the centre gauge and pull out as far as you can( do not remove). Remove the speedo and loosen steering columb in order to remove the lock. The idea is to work through the speedo hole.
It might be easier on the 280SL with the radio and centre panel removed.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[Jonny B]

I had to take a quick look on this one.

The separate panel for the radio on the early cars is a separate piece. The later cars have a one piece dash.

I don't think that will make a difference. There is a partition by the speedometer that may be in the way of the steering lock mechanism. When I had the heater core repaired, I know we were not able to access the center of the dash from the speedo hole. So it may be in the way trying to access the lock mechanism, I just don't remember the exact placements.

Taking the tach etc. out, is as Chris describes it. I would add - be very careful with the temperature gauge connection. It is a sealed system. It can be repaired, but better to be careful upfront to not have to worry about. The oil gauge is also a direct connection, so if that is loose when you re-assemble, you will have a well lubricated leg!

[Benz Dr.]

All good points Johnny.

 I think you may have to drop the steering column if the lock is still engaged. Not a fun job at any rate.

[Gary Baxter]

Many thanks for your suggestions gentlemen, you were a great help. I also discovered a spring loaded pin on the steering lock bar which needed to be depressed in order to be able to pull the whole ignition switch/steering lock mechanism from the steering column.

[Benz Dr.]

You will need to drop the steering column for sure.

[mocstar]

Hi all, i'm trying to do the same thing here. Is there anywhere that details how to drop the steering column?

Many thanks,
Matt

[ja17]

Work through the speedometer opening. Carefully remove the chrome/rubber bezel around the key opening (three bend-over tabs on back). Turn the key to position #1 and the chrome cylinder around the key can be removed by pulling it outward (280SLs only).  This will give you a bit more clearance. Now depress the pin you found. Twist the whole steering lock assembly upward and the ignition assembly can be removed without dropping the column. You may need to unhook the wires on the back of the ignition also. I have done this many times.

[sandcrab59]

Joe is correct.
The procedure is similar on my 300SD's.
You do not have to drop the steering column.
Putting the key in another position is the key.
Tom

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi,

If your 280 has a buzzer to indicate 'key-in-ingition', that switch at the back of the barrel will also have to come off before the barrel pulls out. I was not able to do this, so had to abandon project. ;( 

naj