Astra steering lock

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Mon 25 Aug 2003 14:41
Astra steering lock - Richard M
I have a 95 Astra on which the ignition switch / steering column lock has become difficult to turn on. Repeated attempts have so far succeeded in getting it to work but I expect that one-day it will refuse to work. Can I use something like WD40 in the ignition barrel to free it up or is this not allowed. Failing that will it mean a new ignition switch barrel or will all the steering lock have to be drilled off and a new one put on?
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Mon 25 Aug 2003 20:52
Astra steering lock - Victorbox
With earlier Vauxhall ignition locks you need to be able to turn the lock with the key (to position 1 from memory) and insert a rod to release the lock barrel to replace it. I don't think the they have changed the procedure for your 95 Astra. If you change the worn lock while you can still turn it with the key the job is much easier than waiting for the lock to seize (as I did many years ago) and then having to have the whole lot drilled off the column.
If you know the number of your ignition key and want to keep all the locks operational from one key, you can try getting just the single matching lock from Peter Fletcher at Vauxhall Heritage Services www.vauxhallheritage.com Your dealer may prefer to sell you a whole set of locks rather than just a single ignition lock.
Graphited grease was recommended to me as a suitable for the worn lock - but that was before it seized!
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Mon 25 Aug 2003 21:36
Astra steering lock - Dynamic Dave
Richard M, yes WD40 should do the trick. It certainly won't do any harm anyway.
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Wed 27 Aug 2003 23:23
Astra steering lock - Richard M
Thanks for the info. I?ll try the lubrication route first to see how that does before I source a replacement. Can you get graphite in spray form or should I just stick with WD40?
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Thu 28 Aug 2003 17:17
Astra steering lock - Victorbox
I bought a tub of graphited grease and applied it sparingly to the key & worked it in and out of the lock to get it onto the lock tumblers. I would tend to spray WD40 onto the key (outside the car because of the drips) & quickly work the key in & out of the ignition lock plus twisting the key on and off to lubricate everything. Sprayed directly into the lock will get the WD40 liquid inside the column cowl & possibly over the actual switch at the base of the lock barrel. WD40 may not affect the switch but you only need a little to lubricate the lock.
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Thu 28 Aug 2003 18:54
Astra steering lock - Simon
Have you tried the spare key in the ignition lock at all? It could be just a worn key rather then the lock itself.
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Thu 28 Aug 2003 20:54
Astra steering lock - pastyman
Not sure about spray form, but you can get graphite as a grease or ultrafine powder for lock lubing, any decent locksmith will sell you a lock lube of some sort. One problem i have found with WD40 is that dust and dirt sticks to it allowing a lock to sieze eventually, regular lubing will slow this, but a dry lube would probably be better.

Pastyman..
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Fri 29 Aug 2003 20:39
Astra steering lock - Richard M
Thanks to you all for the replies. I will let you know how I get on.
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