Ignition barrel/housing

[wasted]

Ok, I'll be fitting a new metal ignition surround onto the steering column soon, but my dad has mentioned that on some cars there was a snap-off security bolt on the surround to prevent tampering - it basically necessitated drilling the old bolt out before you could replace the surround.

Anyone know if this applies to Sciroccos too, or is it just a simple bolt-off, bolt-on affair?

[Nate]

if i remember correctly, the steering column is held on by shear bolts, but the ignition switch housing is held on by a 6mm allen pinch bolt. if you've got a large spline adapter on your column, you may need to remove this. then undo the pinch bolt and gently tap the housing off the end of the column

[wasted]

Right, that answers my question!

Annoyingly I recall hearing from various people that the large spline adaptor is a nightmare to remove, and I don't have a handy puller to do it with. Looks like it's off to the hardware store for me :(

[DannyH]

It's probably easier to lift out the steering column and knock it down to the bottom?

[Nate]

i have failed to remove the spline adaptor with a puller. big hammer and cold chisel i found to be the way forward. wear goggles in case the chisel flies out your hand.

[DannyH]

Honest just remove the column and put it down the other way no need to remove the BAS+£$d spline!

i've had this done 3 times now

[Nate]

i just hate groveling about in the foot well trying to get the column back in the UJ

[wasted]

If I were to take the column out, what would I do about the shear bolts? Are replacements available or can I just use standard bolts? Presumably I'd have to drill them out, too...

[wasted]

Ok, I'm totally stuck now. Just spent two hours getting the damn steering column out, and the steering lock will not budge. There's some sort of sleeve under it which is actually welded to the column - does this prevent it from coming off in that direction? Am I going to have to get that adaptor off after all? Please help :(

[wasted]

Fi-nal-ly managed to get that damn adaptor off with the use of a blowlamp and a lot of hitting with a hammer.
The steering wheel nut's a bit b0rked now, but at least the new lock is on and ready to go!

[Nate]

how many times did you hit yourself with the hammer or draw blood?

[wasted]

No hits with hammers or blood, but I do have a good sized blister on my hand from touching the column post-torching! I'm waiting until I have to get it back in...

[Nate]

you just need a bigger hammer

[DannyH]

when you put the spring back on the bottom of the column it's much easier if you compress it (i used mole grips) and cable tie (2 or 3) it then cut and remove the cable ties once it's all on.

[wasted]

Thanks mate - I got it sorted in the end, bit tricky messing about down there though. Out of interest, should there be a plate at the UJ to hold the spring, or does it just rest directly on the UJ itself?