1970 Steering Column - Key cylinder won't lock into column

[Stephen B.]

My key cylinder will not lock into the slot in the steering column. The spring that makes the cylinder tab go into the slot seems to be keeping some pressure on the tab. Any ideas?

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column - Key cylinder won't lock into column

Steve,

Not to belay the obvious, but you have tried pushing around the shifter to make sure it is in reverse and moving the steering wheel to get the lock in place? Sometimes it takes a try or two to get these old cars to remember.

Ken

[Jim S.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column - Key cylinder won't lock into column

From my T&T Steering Column Disassembly & Repair Paper #1:

Reassembly - Ignition Lock Cylinder



There is a keyway in the housing. Align the key on the lock cylinder (not the ignition key but the raised section on the lock cylinder case) with the keyway in the housing and push the cylinder into the housing until it hits the sector. Now rotate the ignition key counterclockwise maintaining a light push on the lock cylinder, until the drive section of the cylinder mates with the sector. Push in until the locking wedge snaps into the housing and the lock cylinder is secure.

Hope that this helps,
Jim

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 Steering Column - Key cylinder won't lock into column

Thanks for your help. The case was slightly bent. I repaired the case, and the key tab locked. Thanks for you advise.