Ignition barrel removal

[Gary Baxter]

I would be very grateful if someone would be so kind as to tell me how to remove the ignition barrel from the steering column of my 1970 280sl. I have undone the clamp but the barrel just wont' come out. There appears to be nothing holding it in. Do they freeze in?

Best regards

Gary Baxter

[ja17]

Hello Gary,

Are you trying to remove the whole ignition/steering lock assembly of just the key tumbler assembly? Does your ignition take the double cut key or the single cut key?

[Gary Baxter]

Thank you for your willingness to assist ja17. It is a double cut key and I want to remove the whole ignition/steering lock assembly from the steering column; the car requires a total body-off restoration.

[andyburns]

Hi Garry.  I remember getting mine out several months and having exactly the same issue.  The barrel was very tight after being clamped all those years.  Use a bit of force and rotate it until it frees up.  Then you have to contend with the bulky wiring loom being quite stiff.  I withdrew it without having to disconnecting any of the electrical connections on the back of the connection block.  It was a tight squeeze but eventually eased out.  I have some reference photos if you need them.  Hopefully Joe can verify this advice.

[ja17]

Hello Gary,

It is a good idea to dis-connect the battery since the ignition has a lot of live wires connected to it.

Turn the key to the first position.  The chrome barrel around the tumbler will move out if you tug it. Remove the key and finish removing the chrome barrel. Dont confuse the chrome barrel with the chrome trim ring on the dash around the chrome barrel. With the chrome barrel removed you have a bit more room to remove the rest. Loosen the 10mm bolt and clamp around the steering lock shaft. Install the key again and move it to position 1, depress the hidden pin on the steering lock shaft. It is near or under the clamp. Twist the ignition lock assembly back and fourth with the hidden pin depressed, and the ignition lock assembly should be able to move out of the steering column.

Keep us up to date.

[Gary Baxter]

Many thanks for your advice Joe; I did exactly as you suggested and it worked like a treat. There is no way I would have found that pin and then with the ignition switch turned to the first notch. I really appreciate your help. And thank you also Andy, you must have an earlier model ignition switch, but I appreciate your comment.

Best regards

Gary Baxter