My key ignition on my steering column is very loose (Mk2 Escort). It just flops around in the key section of the plastic moulding on the steering column.

I've got a spare in the shed and it looks like the ignition is attached to the steering column with 2 'pins'. These don't appear to have anything that you can remove them with (ie: they are round dome shaped - not removeable with a spanner or screwdriver etc).

Is there an easy way to fix this - I didn't want to have to pull the steering column out if there was a quick fix.

Hello David,

Very easy.

To remove the domed head use a small die grinder, and grind the head away.
If you don't have a die grinder simply centre punch the head in the centre of the head and drill the head off. Pull the steering clamp away. Use a good set of vice grips to remove the remaining threaded section of the screws.

To re assemble use appropriate (normal hex head bolts, or cap screws). From memory these are M6 thread.

They are the original 'Shear bolts' which means the heads are designed to snap off then they are tightened up so they cant be removed.

You can get the out reasonably easily though with a hammer and chisel then just replace them with some allen key headed bolts.

Just do the bolts up by hand. And don't put as many keys on the key ring.

Below is a picture of a Shear bolt as it would be prior to fitting. As described above, the head snaps off when the required torque is applied. To remove them once fitted, I use easy-outs but everyone has their own method. You can buy replacements if you want to keep the anti-tamper effect, otherwise go for a standard bolt.

That's a really important point MaxRS.

I have a policy of ignition key only. That is, no other keys attached.

Heavy key rings and the weight of lot's of keys will wear the parts inside the ignition barrel and the key itself as they swing around.

Also keep the key and the barrel lubricated. Especially the external locks exposed to the weather.

David,

I checked today.

The screws you need are M8 X 20mm long (not M6 as I suggested yesterday).

ta, peter.

Thanks for that