Benzone

I drive the car (1997 E420, metal key) about a 1/2 hour away to run errands. I leave the car sitting for about 15 minutes. When I go to start it the key does not want to turn. Based on advice from MercedesSource, I jiggle the key and wheel and give the surrounding area some taps for about 45 minutes. Finally, I go and buy a pair of pliers. The car starts perfectly but now there is a clicking from the steering wheel. The ignition is now impossible to turn without pliers. The wheel is not any harder to turn than before.
Did I knock something lose trying to start the car or did something come lose preventing the car from starting?
any ideas on what the clicking sound is?
I am pretty positive it has nothing to do with the Power steering or suspension systems.

Plutoe

how many pliers have you purchased in the last three years and are they right or left hand type. PS45 minutes is a long time to shop use a hammer next time

Benzone

It is the steering lock. I drove around slowly swerving and figured out the problem. A few times the steering wheel would seize in a position and I could not turn the wheel without holding the key in the start position. I also found that when hold the key in the start position the sound is gone. I still cannot start the car without slip joint pliers.
How should I proceed, What needs to be replaced?