removing ignition housing

I'm replacing my whole ignition system, but we've gotten stuck getting the actual housing off.
the only thing that we can think of that's stopping it pulling off is the steering lock mechanism, turning the key doesn't seem to make any difference. the housing turns freely on the steering column. all screws etc removed that we can see.
we have read 2 different haynes manuals neither of which say how to remove the housing, yet show it in exploded views, rubbish.
any help gratefully recieved as this is my daily drive and i'll have to travel to work by peasant wagon on thursday nightmare.

take steering wheel off, then undo alan key, tap with hammer and it will come off, dnt forget to undo all wiring

Hi Guys.

I seem to be having the same problem trying to remove the ignition housing. I undid all the screws and gave it a tap with a hammer as you suggest Foxymk1 but it still doesn't want to budge. Is there anybody out there that has a visual illustration showing how it is removed? Please advise.  

thank god i'm not the only one, 'tapping' it ain't gonna move it.

like i said the only thing that i can think of stopping it from sliding off the column is the steering lock, but turning the key in the ignition doesn't seem to make a difference. i've tried this at diff angles and everything.

there is nothing else that i can physically see that would stop it sliding off. everything is undone, and all other parts are clear of the housing.  I've looked at my new housing and there's nothing else i can see that's hindering it.

anyhelp guys please? i don't wanna take the peasant wagon on thursday, it's full of the great unwashed no thumbed locals.

When I removed mine, I prised open the joint slightly (but be careful as the alloy casting snaps) then spray a very small amount of wd40 on the inside, then put back on the steering wheel with the key in the on position and turn from side to side, then give it a tap from the rear and it should come off. If it feels like its hitting metal the lugs still slightly in.

iv taken lots of these off pal, your not hitting it hard enough
USE A BIGGER HAMMER

cheers for the help golf1, much more helpful than foxy's hit it with a big hammer.

have now replaced all and she's alive!! woohoo!

Lessy-Jim said

cheers for the help golf1, much more helpful than foxy's hit it with a big hammer.

have now replaced all and she's alive!! woohoo!

your welcome

foxy if you'd read my initial query you'd see that i'd done everything already was needing a TAD more info than whack it with a mallet.. timmy.

golf1's description was just that bit more in depth and more helpful is all.

your still wlcome,

foxymk1 Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:34 am    Post subject:  

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  your still wlcome,