Author Topic: Steering Lock Removal  (Read 5641 times)

Kevin R

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Steering Lock Removal
« on: September 09, 2011, 23:58:30 »
Hi All

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post

I've just inherited a 230SL which has been in a Garage in Cornwall for an engine rebuild (a long story)

On driving it back to West Sussex I pulled into a service station and removed the ignition key, and the central barrel came out with it (this included 2 metal halves and 5 stubby brass? pins)

After calling the AA out, a screwdriver head and small socket were hammered with some force into the recess to disable the steering lock. I then drove the rest of the way home.

I assume the lock mechanism, is not now repairable, and needs removal and replacement. To do this I understand I need to gain access through the removal of the Tachometer. This has proved difficult as the retaining bracket/release mechanism for the Tachometer behind the dash is not clearly visible, though it seems to be a U shaped metal bracket of about 1 inch width. I have removed the Steering wheel for access but I still can't see what I'm dealing with behind the dash, My Haynes manual does not help much in this regard, and I can find no information to a removal procedure on the web (OK, I know I was being optimistic!)

I have to confess, I'm not a mechanic, nor do I have a mechanical bent. And I'm just trying to get the car in a decent state to sell, though I feel I'm already falling in Love with my 230SL —I've never had people comment on my cars before —I like that! Anyway, I digress, Any help, advice or even a picture or sketch of how the bracket connects would be fantastic, as with the cost of parts I'm loathed to be heavy handed and break something through force of application. I did see a diagram that showed the cover above the instruments separated, but mine seems to be one piece of metal with no join.

I know a similar issue has been discussed here, but If I'm going about this all wrong, I'd be very pleased to Know.
« Last Edit: September 10, 2011, 00:05:00 by 280SL71 »

Garry

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2011, 00:59:26 »
Welcome to the Forum/ Group

You need to go into the technical manual, There is a section on removal of the ignition switch,
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/IgnitionSwitch#Removal

However you may wan to read the whole area  in the Tech Manual on this that included the dash and all electrics for reference
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Start


Once you have done that some pictures would be nice for all to see ;D
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

Kevin R

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2011, 18:17:23 »
Thanks Garry

This is looking more involved than I originally thought.

Before I progress, can I ask if there is an alternative strategy, i.e. is it possible to attempt a repair of key insert or have a replacement made (if that's possible, and with what)

It has split down the centre  leaving two halves  which match exactly and assorted brass pins which I assume configure to the recesses of the key. is there any more to it than that?

Excuse my ignorance if this seems a totally dumb question but I've never done this kind of thing before. Basically, my caution is to avoid creating greater problems than absolutely necessary.

Thanks

Kevin

Garry

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2011, 22:04:47 »
I believe you can buy a new barrel for the lock but you will need to ensure it is keyed the same as your door key otherwise you will end up with more keys that you want.

Maybe someone else can chime in on the best place in the US to go to.

Garry
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

al_lieffring

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2011, 22:56:45 »
Gary

 
The steering deadbolt is serviced as an assembly on the 230sl. the ignition lock barrel is not available seperatly for cars with the single sided key.
 

Joe

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2011, 23:38:42 »
Some fool drilled out my lock (I assume cause he or she misplaced the key), and it would start and run with any flat object, like any key or a screwdriver, inserted into the cavity. I used it like that till I was able to find a reasonably priced lock. It bothered me, but I don't think the average passer-by would have been able to quickly notice from outside the car how easy it would be to steal it.
Joe
1965 230SL

menesesjesse

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Re: Steering Lock Removal
« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2011, 19:03:40 »
Yes the assembly is not cheap as they are not made any longer. There are some on ebay but for a pretty penny. I tried to fix one a long time ago but was not sucessful. If you cannot find one on your side of the pond I may have one. PM me if you cannot fix with your current one. The replacement of the switch is also a pain in the rear. Good luck with it.
 
Jesse
1966 Mercedes 230 SL auto
2003 Mercedes E500
1992 Ford F150
1994 Ford Bronco
2019 Shelby GT350R
1967 Mercury Cougar XR7