Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

Been trying to change the ignition switch today - help from WIKI on here, a Haynes manual and old threads.
However can't seem to take the steering lock housing off off from the upper column which I need to do to undo the screw holding the switch. I have undone the clamp bolt

Go away in a week - getting nervous about having to keep hot wiring the van all the way round Europe!

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

The key needs to be in the ignition barrel and turned to the first stage to retract the steering lock....then the housing will knock upwards & off giving you access to the single pozi screw holding the switch in place.

Martin

California Dreamin wrote:The key needs to be in the ignition barrel and turned to the first stage to retract the steering lock....then the housing will knock upwards & off giving you access to the single pozi screw holding the switch in place.

Martin

Thanks Martin,

I have tried with the key in but still can't get housing off.

Steering lock doesn't engage at all - maybee that's the problem??

Just found this thread so maybe I just need to give it a thump?
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... k#p7858356

So a thump didn't work - any other suggestions?

Could the fact that the steering lock doesn't work have something to do with my troubles?!

Any joy? Im in the same boat.

Yes had a a great day with NE~NOR today
Finally I can start the engine with a key instead of hot wiring from the back!

I went to a garage and borrowed a 3 prong puller would have been a 2 prong puller according to Haynes but they onle had a 3.
Fitted this , wound it up and hey presto it was off!
Don't give a thump as you may break the housing clamp (as I did) its more delicate than it looks.

I got a complete housing and barrel from a breaker and put some grease around the inside and fitted it. Hopefully now when I come to do this Again (when the ignition switch does go) it will not be seized up like my old one.

Any questions you have il try and help as much as poss, I now feel know this bit of my van really well!

Thanks, just back from the unit and a set of pullers it is, there's no chance its coming off with brut force

REGGAJ wrote:Thanks, just back from the unit and a set of pullers it is, there's no chance its coming off with brut force

Glad it worked for you to - sure someone in here knew that too - maybee it should be added to the WIKI so us newbies don't need to ask?

Seriously don't give it a thump as it said in the thread I searched - no good can come from that!

Not everybody has got access to a sliding hammer and of course I wouldn't suggest hitting the aluminium housing hard with a 2lb ball pein hammer but rather striking strategically with a plastic or hide headed one instead....Of course if you have a puller...
I've also found that you can help yourself by opening up the clamp a little with a pry bar and giving the sleeve a squirt of penetrating spray.

Martin

Well i'v tried it with a puller, key in first position and no joy looks like im gonna ruin the bearing thats in there if i pull any more, There's been a steering wheel from a golf gti fitted to mine in the past and it has an adapter spline added, think thats why it aint coming off.

Because I bought another complete housing instead of changing the barrel I have a spare bearing in the old housing if you keep on pulling it and mess it up then il send it on up to you.

Thank you for the offer i might have to take you up on it,i'v found a picture in the haynes manual page 9.14 which is exactly what im doing, will give it another bash tomorrow.

I was surprised how much I had to tighten it to get it off - put an old bolt on the end of the spindle and then you won't risk damaging this with the puller

I will go and have a look at getting the old bearings from the housing out for you tomorrow.