Ignition switch

[Drifter]

Hi and advice needed.
I'm trying to take my ignition switch apart as my steering lock is stuck on and I'm faced with the picture attached - after looking at this pic up close,  am i right in presuming that the screws holding the ignition housing together have been broken off at the heads.    Is this the case? , or am i missing some other way of getting it off.

[Marishka]

Yeah when fitted at factory the screws sheer at the heads when fitted.
I just use a 4 " grinder with a 1mm disk and cut a slot across the screw,
Then use a flat screwdriver to get them off.
I have also mig welded a small bolt onto the sheered surface and then used a spanner.
Either way has worked for me in the past.
Cheers marty

[Gunning]

I recently had to do the same on my Subaru, I had trouble trying to cut slots in the bolts as it was still on the car, I ended up using a punch and hammer to start bolts turning, then could use fingers to turn, I replaced with a standard bolt, make it easier next time

[Drifter]

Thanks for the advice - it had me stumped - Ill give it  ago -

[Marishka]

Or drill a hole in center and use an easyout.
Never tried this way but i recon it would work.

[Drifter]

Just tried the small pin punch idea no luck, wont budge at all...not sure about the cutting blade idea looks like it will damage the surrounding casing.  maybe that's not a problem?     I just tried drilling a small hole,  as you suggested that hardly made a mark on the bolt at all, broke two small drill tips so far,    Ill keep at it,   looks like a trip to Nowra to buy another drill.

[Marishka]

Try a dermel with a small cutting disk
If u drill use a double sided 1/8

[Drifter]

Thanks fellas - It's off -  the whole thing was stuffed anyway, so I ended up cutting the whole thing off.
with the grinder.
For anyone's future reference... I mistook the very centre broken part as seen in the previous pic as the bit I had to try and get out,  thinking this was a broken bolt down the centre,   I did not realising this was all part of the screw.,    once I had it off i  found out that the whole shiny piece unscrewed...not just the broken centre bit....had I realised what you guys were trying to tell me  i probably could have gotten it off without cutting the whole mechanism off - live and learn.

"Thanks again - mechanical genius I'm not"

[Marishka]

If u need a new rear bracket i might have 1 in the shed.
Can send it to you free
Cheers

[Drifter]

That would be fantastic Marty, what can I do for you in return -