Locks and windows

1987 300E

Door lock on drivers side has failed and it is time to go through and tune up the entire lock and window system.

First, driver side door lock. The lock still works but cannot use the key. Key goes in but no rotation. Unlocking and locking has to go on from the passenger side, but even then the vaccum locks aren't working consistently so I usually have to go through the cab and unlock the drivers side from inside. Thus the decision to yank all the door panels and clean / service all locks and windows.

The question is what am I looking at to get the key functioning on the drivers side again? Will a locksmith be able to help me out if I bring the mechanism and key into their shop, or am I looking at super specialized service due to the Mercedes-ness of the car?

Any chance that the functioning passenger side lock could be switched to the drivers side for the time being? I thought not.

Since I am going in to all doors should I replace the vaccuum hoses as well?

I would prefer to get as much bang for my buck and time and get everything working smoothly again for the next phase of this cars life.

Thanks.

Reply to
Steve Kucera
Loading thread data ...

First get a new key at the dealer. All they need is your Insurance card and driver license. $27 per key. Worn key will cause that problem you described.

Try some graphite lock lubricant.

It is most likely that your vacuum pump may be weak. but it is possible the vacuum selenoid is worn on driver door. I usually see the problem in rear door... usually due to weak vacuum pump.

No. Do not replace vacuum hoses unless bad. Those plastic lines work superbly.

As for window, take switches apart and clean all contacts inside...6 contacts per window. If nothing wrong with window motor or regulator, Do not touch.

Reply to
Tiger

Thanks. It makes sense as the problem developed gradually and a little shake of the key used to do the trick. You probably save me much frustration.

I will. It's my project car and I want to clean up all the lock mechanisms so things are purring like a kitten.

Cool. I will get one ordered up if servicing the locks doesn't resolve the isssues.

Nice. Was not looking forward to that.

I'll do that. Had no plans to remove the parts but it appears that the rails and gears could use some lubrication. All the motors and actuators (?) are working fine but there seems to be some strain. Again, would love to get them to showroom performance level and reduce strain on the motors.

Thinking about looking at engine performance sometime but for now focusing on the things that matter most; the toys.

Reply to
Steve Kucera

As to the locksmith question the answer is a qualified yes.

I qualify the yes as not all locksmiths can or care to work on MB locks. The phone book is your friend here.

When I was a locksmith I would work on them, I even had the replacement tumblers and springs that the dealers did not have, but not all of the guys would touch them even when the shop had the parts.

Hope that answer helps.

Reply to
Roger Shoaf

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.