Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: fergy on 08 February 2010, 10:06:31

Title: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: fergy on 08 February 2010, 10:06:31
Ok, so I should have had a look at the steering lock using the usefull OOFmaintenence guide when it was just  sticky!
Now it fails to operate completely. I have wrestled the shroud off without removing the steering wheel, but can't see how to  go forward from here.  Wheel does not turn, key does not turn in lock, have tried copious use of WD40 to no effect. Any advice would be much appreciated
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 08 February 2010, 10:10:40
Well can I sudgest using an effective lubricant rather than WD40 (whish is nothing more than a water despersant).

I would try some plus gas or rustflash to see if you can get it to turn first and then re-furb it.
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: Welung666 on 08 February 2010, 13:13:12
Where are you Fergy?
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: propector on 08 February 2010, 15:20:22
I just had the same problem.  To remove the lock cylinder you are supposed to turn the key to position 1, but if the lock is siezed up that's no help.  So what I did was as follows:

1) Order a new lock cylinder to suit your key from a Vauxhall dealer.  It will cost about £51.  Take all relevant paperwork, ie Log Book, Security Card, if you have it, and any other proof of ownership with you.  I ordered mine on Friday, and got the new one on Monday.

2) Remove airbag, steering wheel and covers.  I found out how to do this in the Omega Haynes book.

3) Use some judicious force, ie hammer and medium screwdriver to break off the key end of the cylinder, and remove all the innards.  TAKE CARE NOT TO DAMAGE THE BARREL WHICH IS PART OF THE UPPER STEERING CLAMP

4) Then you will be able to turn the lock cylinder to position 1.  Insert a small allen kee or other tool to depress the retaining spring at the top of the cylinder through the hole provided in the barrel.  Then you will be able to withdraw the lock cylinder.

5) When fitting the new cylinder be careful to ensure that the hole in the centre of the electrical switching contact block is perfectly aligned with the rotating spigot sticking out of the end of the new lock cylinder.  You must also ensure that the steering column anti-theft lock is not engaged, by depressing the latch thingy at bottom end of the barrel.

The Haynes book describes most of the above, but it also suggested removing the electrical contact block, which I would advise against.  When I tried to do it, the whole electrical contact assembly fell apart, and I had a job to reassemble it correctly.
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: fergy on 08 February 2010, 23:11:33
My thanks to Marks DTM, Welung666 and Propector. Tried oil rather than WD40 and unfortunately no improvement. As was kindly suggested a visit to the local stealer resulted in me being £53.51 worse off, and I hope to have new (correct) barrel  within a day or two.  They suggested drilling the barrel out?
One  potentially useful bit of info they gave me was to try tapping the key entry surround using hammer and punch. It did not work for me though! I may need to remove the steering wheel to get the column cowling back on. Any danger in setting off the air bag?
What a great forum this is!

PS I'm located in Hereford Welung 666
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: gra11 on 08 February 2010, 23:28:40
Just make sure you disconnect the battery and leave it for a good half hour before you go near the air-bag and you will be ok.
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: fergy on 09 February 2010, 15:58:25
Barrel arrived 24 hours from time of ordering and with Propecto'rs words of guidence and look at the piccys in the mtc. guide it was not so bad a job. I have yet to re fit the cowling, but need to use the car immediatly. Particularly helpfull were the words in the guide about the requirement to release the steering lock inside the barrel housing. My thanks to all who replied and the author of the guide. Vuaxhall wanted an estimated £150.00 for this job probably a bit more and plus  vat.

 For anyone else who fancies having a go at this task  the replacement barrell was supplied by K.L.C.K in Houslow. They have a useful looking web site with lots of nice piccy of locky bits http://www.klck-ltd.com/ ;D
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: propector on 09 February 2010, 18:15:22
Glad to have helped. 

Only problem I have is that my Airbag warning light now stays on permanently; probably because I only waited 2 or 3 minutes after discon the battery -ve.  Does anyone know how I can reset it, apart from going to a Vx dealer?  Wiring is ok.  :o
Title: Re: Sterring Lock Removal / Replacement
Post by: davethediver on 09 February 2010, 18:25:11
Pm one of the tech 11 owners on here can only be done with the real deal  :y