Club 80-90 Forums

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

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

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.


.

Thanks guys, I'll try those.

Tony

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.

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.

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

Good point. If it's loose it binds things up

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! 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