Ignition barrel / steering lock

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Nicola&Tony
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Ignition barrel / steering lock

Post by Nicola&Tony »

Have been out and about in the van today and sometimes when I've put the key into the ignition and tried to turn it there's been no movement. Then after a couple of minutes of fiddling about it eventually turns and releases the steering lock.

Is it likely to be just a case of needing some lubrication, or is something getting worn and in need of replacement? If the answer is lubrication, then what sort . . . I remember reading on here somewhere that WD40 isn't good for locks but I can't find the post or remember what the right lubricant is.

Very grateful for any info.

Tony :)
Looking for: window apertures for side windows, at the back of the van

T25; 1985; RHD; 1.9DG petrol / LPG; white Autosleeper high-top; Looking rusty again!

LT31; 1993; RHD; 2.4L petrol; high-top; diy camper project.

andysimpson
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Post by andysimpson »

Try a bit of engine oil, don't over do it or you will up the switch. Does it work better with spare key?

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..lee..
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Post by ..lee.. »

hot engine oil is great for locks.

get a small oil can(very cheap) and warm it up on the fire or boiling water, use the key to open the little flap on the lock and give it a squirt while the key is partially in.

stops the locks from freezing up too.

lee.


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Nicola&Tony
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Post by Nicola&Tony »

Thanks guys, I'll try those. 8)

Tony
Looking for: window apertures for side windows, at the back of the van

T25; 1985; RHD; 1.9DG petrol / LPG; white Autosleeper high-top; Looking rusty again!

LT31; 1993; RHD; 2.4L petrol; high-top; diy camper project.

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lloyd
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Post by lloyd »

Might be steering wheel is pulling against lock when you can't unlock it. Try moving steering wheel a little to release pressure on lock cylinder while working lock.

Just a though. :lol:
88 1.9 gassed w/Westy conversion & Reimo topper

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Other-Power
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Post by Other-Power »

lloyd wrote:Might be steering wheel is pulling against lock when you can't unlock it. Try moving steering wheel a little to release pressure on lock cylinder while working lock.

Just a though. :lol:

Damm right, the steering lock on mine is very specific if i park on a slight hill then i can be a lot of work to get the steering lock of.

Just a thought but take the steering coloum cover s of and see if the allen bolt that holds the lock in position is tight.

Jon
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lloyd
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Post by lloyd »

Good point. If it's loose it binds things up
88 1.9 gassed w/Westy conversion & Reimo topper

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Nicola&Tony
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Post by Nicola&Tony »

Well I managed to get a quarter turn on that allen bolt that was mentioned above but I think it was the warmed up engine oil that made the biggest difference. Seems to be sorted now, thanks for all the suggestions! :D I put some oil on all the locks whilst I was at it and when doing this I noticed that the two large screw heads that hold the locking mechanism onto one of the cab doors were very loose. Might be worth having a look at them if you haven't done so recently.

Tony :ok
Looking for: window apertures for side windows, at the back of the van

T25; 1985; RHD; 1.9DG petrol / LPG; white Autosleeper high-top; Looking rusty again!

LT31; 1993; RHD; 2.4L petrol; high-top; diy camper project.

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