230SL steering lock: how to adjust position?

[66andBlue]

Wanted to reinstall the chrome trim around the ignition key hole and noticed that it is not alligned with the center o the hole in the dash. No way to get the trim ring in.
What is the easiest way to loosen the lock and readjusting it? I read the instructions for lock removal in the BBB (46-8/3) and must admit that I am totally stumped  
Thanks for any help!
Forgot to mention that the instrument cluster is out and I have access to the column.

Download Attachment: IgnitionKey.jpg
22.24 KB

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[jeffc280sl]

There is a clamping bolt that secures the key mechanism in place.  Loosen the nut or bolt (can't remember which) slightly and rotate the key barrel assembly so that it lines up with the opening in the dash.  Then tighten.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[66andBlue]

Thanks Jeff,
I plan to give it a try tomorrow and hope to find that bolt/nut.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

There is also a 'U' bolt holding the steering column to the dash.
You could rotate the column a degree or two to align the barrell.

naj

68 280SL

[jeffc280sl]

Naj has a much better description of what I'm speaking about.  Good luck!

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[66andBlue]

Naj,
in order to turn the column do I need to loosen the steering coupling under the floor cover plate??

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, Alfred,

 

quote:Naj,
in order to turn the column do I need to loosen the steering coupling under the floor cover plate??

I did this job a 'long' time ago, but I think you can get away by just loosening the collar clamp on the floor cover.
Also note that there is a rubber ring below the aluminum (chrome) trim for the ign key.

naj

68 280SL

[66andBlue]

Hello Naj,
I suspect these parts a little bit different on your 280SL.  I managed to center the key hole a bit better in the dash by loosening the hex nuts that tighten the strap (or 'U'-bolt as you called it) around the column jacket (green arrow in picture) and moving the column a little to the left and up.  I guess without loosening the coupling under the floor the column cannot rotate.
Loosening the clamp around the steering lock (red arrow) had no effect since the lock itself did not rotate.
Also loosening the "clamping screw" referred to in the BBB text (#6) had no effect on the lock position - although I am not totally sure whether I located the correct screw!
Is it the one within the blue oval in the photo?

Download Attachment: SteeringColumn.jpg
63.88 KB

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello Alfred,
I was talking about loosening the clamp between items 46 and 47 in the picture, and the 'U' bolt 48



naj

68 280SL

[Joe]

Yes, the screw you denoted in blue is the right one. It holds the lock mechanism to the steering column. As Naj told you, you also need to remove the clamp (#48) and loosen the bolt on the clamp between #46 and #47. Once you have done these three things, you can pull the steering column down and to the left enough to remove the lock mechanism from the short tube on the steering column in which it is held. Then the lock mechanism is free and can be removed.
You may be able to move the chrome ring around without loosening the clamps on the steering column, once the small bolt is removed, but it sounds like you have already tried that. Loosening the clamps will take pressure off the lock, and you should be able to re-orient it.
HTH.
Joe

[66andBlue]

Joe and Naj,
thank you both for the advice. I have it centered now and am happy with the result!

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic