Steering lock problem - please help

[Jonssen]

Sorry for the cross post, but my electrical problem has just become seriously mechanical it seems...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=39387

Steering lock has triggered....

(gosh, I bet this sounds cagy but it's just my 12 year old W210 E280 that I was trying to fix..)

Can anyone help me with a release / reset method please?

 

[Aussie Nick]

Hi I had a similar problem last year on a W202. I think all The W 210s had an infra red key unlike the 202.Tere are several posts on the 202 problem here. I am not so sure in relation to the 210.
I think that the mechanical problem where the steering locks, is similar to the 202.
Whilst waiting for another member to come on board to advise or post the relevant link this is what I think you should do.
With the key inserted try jiggling the steering wheel from side to side.Remove the key and run some high compression air through a thin air compressor gun nozzle into the keyway. Re-insert the key and try to jiggle the steering wheel backwards and forwards. Keep repeating the compressed air procedure after several jiggles.
Under no circumstances should you spray any lubricant of whatever type into the keyway. Some have suggested graphite grease but i would be reluctant to use this as well. Report back on your efforts.The procedure on the 202 has required extreme patience and perseverance.

 

[roadhog]

Working some grease in is OK, not sure about the graphite though. Don't spray any oil into the lock as it'll just wash any lubricant out and make matters worse.
I don't know too much about the W210 but could it be related to the gear lever position? On my W124 the steering lock will only engage/disengage with the lever in park.

 

[Aussie Nick]

No I would have to disagree with Roadhog on the grease. Dont use any lubricant at all. Especially the grease as this will block the infra red . Use only compressed air. Make sure the compressor is filtered at the outlet side otherwise you will be pumping in air containing lots of moisture into the keyway.

 

[Jonssen]

That's not the problem - it the mechanical steering lock that's "tripped" (besides it's the flip-out key version, not the fully electronic).

I understand cutting it off may be the only way... Anyone know the best way to go about that?

 

[colechelle]

sent you pm, let me know if it works!!

 

[Aussie Nick]

Try the compressed air because it worked on my flip when I had the exact problem.The compressed air has also been used by others with excellent results .The no lube advice still holds.
If you cant release it you will need to drop the steering column and cut it out which is extremely messy.It will come loose if you persevere.

 

[Jonssen]

Try the compressed air because it worked on my flip when I had the exact problem.The compressed air has also been used by others with excellent results .The no lube advice still holds.
If you cant release it you will need to drop the steering column and cut it out which is extremely messy.It will come loose if you persevere.

Thanks for responding but, sorry, it's nothing to do with the keyway - it's the lock in the steering column that's "locked". (Looks like the 2nd option, then...)

 

[Aussie Nick]

The tumblers in the keyway have frozen causing the steering to lock on as you have turned the steering wheel at some stage after removing the key. It is as I have described before.The steering lock is controlled by the tumblers being in a certain position for steering lock on. You will also find an electronic connection (if I recall there are two wires) attached to the ignition lock for key control.
Unless the tumblers realign to lock off position you will not be able to release the lock.
If you want to go the long way about it then so be it . I am not going to waste my time on this thread any further.

 

[Jonssen]

The tumblers in the keyway have frozen causing the steering to lock on as you have turned the steering wheel at some stage after removing the key. It is as I have described before.The steering lock is controlled by the tumblers being in a certain position for steering lock on. You will also find an electronic connection (if I recall there are two wires) attached to the ignition lock for key control.
Unless the tumblers realign to lock off position you will not be able to release the lock.
If you want to go the long way about it then so be it . I am not going to waste my time on this thread any further.

I'm sorry, you have misunderstood. My problem is the mechanical lock at the steering column, nothing else (the other components being removed). A photo is attached. Anyway, I have now devised a method of releasing this without destroying it. It's quite quick and easy using this method. If anyone needs to know how please contact me.

 

[jimmyj]

help

i have the same problem my steering lock is locked...how do you remove it!!!!

 

[Alex Crow]

it is a different one jimmyj, will not help you i am afraid.