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How to break a steering lock?
speedyxjs - 19/1/10 at 11:52 AM

I have a slight problem. I brought a new steering column for the locost from an older jag (series 3).

Now i can make it fit but the bit which attaches to the back of the ignition barrel is missing.

Now as i see it i have two options, either find a way to break the steering lock and fit a new ignition key (are these availiable at halfrauds/maplin?) in the dashboard.
Option two would be to leave it as it is, fit a new ignition switch to the dashboard and have to use two keys to operate the car (disarm steering lock and ignition).

Miks15 - 19/1/10 at 11:55 AM

i would take the ignition barrel and steering lock off, and just have an ignition key on the dash

r1_pete - 19/1/10 at 11:58 AM

Ignition switches are readily available, I'm using one of THESE during re-wiring the jaguar.

I won't be using a steering lock, complete waste of time IMO, so easy to break and do a lot more damage with a short length of scaffold pole, should the toe rags so desire.

speedyxjs - 19/1/10 at 11:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Miks15
i would take the ignition barrel and steering lock off, and just have an ignition key on the dash


I cant seem to work out how to take it off properly. I did think about using the angry grinder but wasnt sure if that would lock the steering.

adithorp - 19/1/10 at 12:00 PM

"...the bit which attaches to the back of the ignition barrel is missing..."

By that do you mean the ignition switch? If so then why not just buy a new one.

adrian

matt_gsxr - 19/1/10 at 12:00 PM

Steering lock is favoured as SVA as you need some anti-theft stuff.

Do the right thing, and get the back of the ignition switch. Must be a few pence from a breaker. There are specific Jag breakers aren't there.

Matt

BenB - 19/1/10 at 12:02 PM

Removing a steering lock with an angry grinder is a simple job. I did it in about 10-15 minutes and it was the first time I'd used an angle grinder and that included making it look right pretty.

Mr Whippy - 19/1/10 at 12:04 PM

Well for a start even if you shear the lock it is dangerous to drive as the pin can later jam and lock the wheel causing you to crash. You need to totally remove the pin.

The bit that attaches to the back of the ignition barrel is the ignition switch and separate from both the key and the lock mechanism. If you don't have a key and want to replace the lock then you can drill out the old lock with a cobalt drill right through the key slot quite easy but you need to be careful not to go too deep as there's a shaft you need directly behind it, just drill out the rotating barrel. Usually the whole lock mechanism is attached to the column with a couple of rivets and if you don't want any of that then just cut it off.

Don't you need a lock of the IVA or are you going to use an additional security measure, as you can't just use the key alone.

[Edited on 19/1/10 by Mr Whippy]

bartonp - 19/1/10 at 12:07 PM

'Disarm steering lock' and ignition cannot be separate functions (think about it!)

speedyxjs - 19/1/10 at 12:09 PM

Thanks for the replys.

Yes, it would be the ignition switch then

Iv had a quick look on fleabay and they are pretty expensive so i think il cut it off and remove the pin and fit a new switch.

Il be fitting an alarm and immobiliser too so hopefully should count as two anti theft devices.

r1_pete - 19/1/10 at 12:15 PM

Can you post a pic? the assembly usually clamps to the column using bolts who's heads sheer off at the required torque, so it cant be removed without drilling the remains of the heads out - the safest way to do it without risking damaging something else.

pewe - 19/1/10 at 12:41 PM

As R1Pete says ^^ take off ignition barrel to expose sheared-off fixing bolts in column clamp.
If accessible drill a small pilot hole and extract bolt using a stud extractor as then you don't damage the threads so you can re-use the existing fittings.
Buy extractor and new shear bolts from Screwfix, Toolstation or your local friendly nut & bolt supplier for not much money.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe

mad4x4 - 19/1/10 at 01:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by bartonp
'Disarm steering lock' and ignition cannot be separate functions (think about it!)


1. A vehicle MUST be fitted with either a mechanical anti – theft
device or an electronic immobiliser
2. If fitted to the Vehicle, a anti – theft device
a.
must be operational
b.
must not operate on any part of the braking system
3. If it incorporates a mechanical part that acts upon a system used to
control thevehicle
a.
It must Deactivate before the engine can be started
b.
It must be deactivated while the engine is running
c. It must have a actuation which is a distinct and separate
function from that of stopping the engine
Where the vehicle has no mechanical anti - theft device fitted:
4. an Immobiliser must be accompanied by evidence of compliance

indykid - 19/1/10 at 01:38 PM

quote:
Originally posted by pewe
As R1Pete says ^^ take off ignition barrel to expose sheared-off fixing bolts in column clamp.
If accessible drill a small pilot hole and extract bolt using a stud extractor as then you don't damage the threads so you can re-use the existing fittings.
Buy extractor and new shear bolts from Screwfix, Toolstation or your local friendly nut & bolt supplier for not much money.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe


a sharp centre punch or cold chisel works equally well. start with it vertical and get a nice dimple, then hit at an angle to drive it anticlockwise.

rinse and repeat

you can use this method if the easiout snaps off too
tom

speedyxjs - 19/1/10 at 05:40 PM

Well i cut the ignition switch off and made the new mounts but then had all sorts of problems (one step forward two back comes to mind) like the indicators not working and dashboard not fitting over the steering cowling so i have give up for the day!