au steering lock query

[xr6tjet]

Hey guys,
Only noticed my steering lock doesnt seem to engage. It use to but now it doesnt. I turn the wheel and it just isnt clicking and locking! What could be the cause?
Cheers, Alex.

[russellw]

Possibly the locking pin has sheared - can't really think of anything else that would stop it from engaging.

Cheers
Russ

[xr6tjet]

Ah okay. Can it be repaired?

[xr6tjet]

How do I go about checking out the ignition barrel to check if it is sheered?

Cheers, Alex.

[russellw]

The steering column lock is integral to the key barrel housing. When the ignition key is turned to the "0" position and removed, a tongue inside the steering column lock can engage with the steering column tube, locking it into position. When the ignition key is
turned to the "I", "II", or "III" position, the steering column lock tongue withdraws, unlocking the steering column tube and allowing it to rotate.

To remove:

1. Unclip the upper shroud by grabbing it at the openings where the switch levers pass through the shroud. Pull the rear of the shroud directly upwards to disengage the two rear clips. The shroud can then be moved rearwards to disengage the two forward clips.

2. Remove the ignition key barrel by inerting the ignition key, turning it to position "I" and then depressing the pin in the side of the ignition lock housing.

The barrel itself is not serviceable as such but with the barrel out you should see the tongue move in and out when the key is removed or rotated as per the italicised section above. It might just be stuck in which case some graphite powder should do the trick but if it is sheared then you'll need a new barrel - a new barrel can be coded to the existing key easily enough.

Cheers
Russ

[Davehoos]

How loose is the steering shaft-bearings.
if they are moving then the lock hole might not be lining up.

the design is if something fails there is less chance of locking the wheel.

the lock mechanism to get stuck or brocken is not unusual. sometimes the grease goes hard with dirt. the mechanism is die cast alloy.

I found it easier to replace steering column as an assembly and the body module so that I didn't have to recode the keys or have the lock matched to the body module.

door lock is easy to swap.

[xr6tjet]

Cool I'll remove the barrel and see whether the steering lock is jammed up. How can I tell if the steering shaft bearings are loose?

[xr6tjet]

Lol as I was parking up a steep driveway at my grandma's house yesterday I had the wheel turned at a 90 degree angle and as I entered the car I moved the wheel anti clockwise and it locked... it locks without effort, still learning new things every day!