8 replies to this topic

[cabrio1275]

I have a 1978 Mini and having replaced the steering rack and successfully road tested it find that when the ignition key is removed the steering no longer locks. Everything else works. Is this going to be an ignition switch/steering lock replacement? 

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

You may have fitted the outer steering column incorrectly in relation to the inner column. 

[cabrio1275]

Thanks, is there a pin that gets engaged with the inner column from the lock through the outer column, so that if the hole for the pin isn't aligned the pin just hits against the inner column? It must be that the outer column is either too high or low then as I didn't separate the columns just pulled it up as a unit to slide it off the splines of the steering rack then back onto the new rack. Sorry to ramble just trying to think it through. My next move is to fit a column adjusting bracket which I have done to other Minis so I will revisit the alignment problem then.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Thanks, is there a pin that gets engaged with the inner column from the lock through the outer column, so that if the hole for the pin isn't aligned the pin just hits against the inner column? It must be that the outer column is either too high or low then as I didn't separate the columns just pulled it up as a unit to slide it off the splines of the steering rack then back onto the new rack. Sorry to ramble just trying to think it through. My next move is to fit a column adjusting bracket which I have done to other Minis so I will revisit the alignment problem then.

Yes that's basically it.  When you remove the whole column assembly the inner and outer can move up and down in relation to each other.  It can also affect the positioning of the lower column bush which can give you problems with excessive play. 

[Chris1275gt]

I have a 1978 Mini and having replaced the steering rack and successfully road tested it find that when the ignition key is removed the steering no longer locks. Everything else works. Is this going to be an ignition switch/steering lock replacement?

When I changed my steering rack last year on my 75 gt the slot on the new rack that takes the bolt that holds the column was 180 degrees different to the old one. So the steering lock still operates but not in the same place as it did. Apart from taking the new rack apart and moving the slot to where it was on the old rack, which I didn't fancy doing at all, I left it as is. So Check that's not the case with yours. I can't see the problem with it locking in a different place but I'm sure someone will tell me if it is!

[cabrio1275]

Thanks for the confirmation. I will just have to bite the bullet and do some adjusting.

[sonscar]

Turn the wheel when it is turned off with the key out,it as said may lock in a different position.My son had had his Mini for at least five years before he actually found the steering locked,then he thought it was faulty.Steve..

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Probably is more likely as the others have suggested as you'd have to misalign the inner and outer column substantially to cause a problem the way I'd suggested.

[cabrio1275]

Thanks I will have a dabble, I haven't ventured out of the house for a couple of days so fingers crossed that will be the solution if I have a go tomorrow.