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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Steering Lock

My ignition has always been a bit short of a full turn on the key so the lock / contacts have always been a bit out of kilter.
Came back on Saturday night, parked as usual, gone to start it a few minutes ago and the key will not go fully in the lock, the lock does not operate on the steering wheel (it won't lock), and although the barrel turns so ignition lights coming on the key remains useless. I may as well use a screwdriver.
Decided the lock too dangerous to drive with as it may come on?
Is this a serviceable item with the column in the car? Is it as easy as it looks in the book?
Anything else to consider much appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Day car in dock. Dave
Dave Squire

the tricky bit is removing the old lock as it is retained by two snap-head setscrews (never know the correct name for these). They can be removed with a tiny chisel and hammer, or drilled out.
David Smith

Some steering locks are retained by ordinary set screws so you might not have to use force. Often, the locks are reluctant to engage or disengage because they develop burrs from years of use. You can remove the steering lock/switch assembly without removing the steering column but it helps to lower the column for clearence and ease of access. First remove the plastic shroud and unplug the electrics to the assembly. Undo or break the two fixings and you can see what's what. File off any burrs on both the column tube's cut-out and the rectangular 'bolt' and give the lock assembly a really good clean and a good drenching in WD40. Then grease it and put it all back with some new screws (security shear screws if you want extra security. If it's really knackered, after-market replacements aren't too expensive.
Nick Nakorn

Dave,
the following *might* not help with the problem (or it might, or it might help by association) worth a try and a good investment for car and home anyway

I was having trouble with the steering lock on my midget and dreaded the thought of fitting a modern new part but all that was totally forgotten after a little application of Graphite Dry Lubricant to key and lock (you can wipe off any excess from lock or key)

I've found a small bottle of Graphite Dry Lubricant works wonders on key locks and barrels and you use so little on each it last for donkey's years

Nigel Atkins

" it is retained by two snap-head setscrews (never know the correct name for these). "

Shear bolts, I believe.

"I've found a small bottle of Graphite Dry Lubricant works wonders on key locks and barrels..."

I bought some from Fertan.

http://www.fertan.co.uk/item-graphite_oil.htm

I actually bought it to lubricate the felt bush in the steering column, but it works well on locks, too.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks everyone, that's great, hopefully will be done today / tomorrow.

btw Nigel: The 88 is still in and doing a grand job in the cold weather thanks.

Cheers again, Dave
Dave Squire

personally I'd prefer to use the dry graphite lubricant powder to the oil on locks

I got a small bottle (6g) of SKS for about £3 (IIRC)

I got it from at our local locksmiths shop and was surprised to learn they'd only recently began to stock it due to customer demand and that they previously told customers to use WD40

as regards the 88c stat it just shows how it use varies in different engines/cars (and people) as I'm still not convinced with it's use in my 1275, although due to various circumstances I've hardly driven my car for many weeks and even when it was quite cold weather I still couldn't get used to the temp dial getting just above the 'N' before the electric fan cuts in

and due to other circumstances I missed the really hot weather last summer to test the 88c out, hopefully I'll be able to test it out in warmer weather at the end of March (start of BST) around the steeper roads of the Cumbria/N. Yorks area
Nigel Atkins

Sorted today. Now I know what a proper steering lock feels like I realise my previous has probably been broke ish for 2 years motoring.

Thanks everyone for great advise.

Cheers, Dave
Dave Squire

This thread was discussed between 26/01/2015 and 01/02/2015

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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