Date:         Sun, 6 Jun 2004 02:10:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Budd Premack <bpremack@MN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Budd Premack <bpremack@MN.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Installing Ignition Switch - HELP!!!
Comments: To: Germain <reglys@SYMPATICO.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

In the past I have removed the black plastic steering lock housing sleeve by
gripping it with a channel lock pliers and twisting it off.  You can avoid
damage to the plastic housing sleeve by wrapping it with a shop rag prior to
gripping it with the pliers.

Reinstallation of the sleeve can be done by gently tapping it back down the
shaft.  Rather than hitting the hammer directly against the sleeve, I have
found that using a hammer to tap against a 6" extension to a 3/8" socket
drive set allows ample force, yet spreads the force (to avoid damage to the
plastic housing).  This is preferable to using something like a screw driver
to relay the force from the hammer to the sleeve, which can result in
damage to the plastic sleeve.

The steering lock housing itself is made of soft metal, but it can be
loosened by gently tapping it with a hammer.  It will go back in place
either by hand, or at most a gentle tap or two from a hammer.

This process was learned a few years ago when I had way too many
opportunities to replace ignition switches on my various vans.

Good luck.  This is one of those procedures that really does get easier
after you do it a few times.

Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 88 Wolfsburg
Land of Sky-Blue Waters
Minneapolis, MN