40 Ford 4 dr Sedan Steering column Locked?

C

Cobrafixer

Junior Member
So my steering column is locked up and have no key. Originally thought it was the gearbox. Did not realize until someone here pointed out it key locks at the switch. If I remove the lock box will that set it free? Simple enough to try if the screws come out.
 
Had spent the morning removing seats and cleaning out the rat poo, acorns etc and was praying a key would turn up in the floor. No such luck. No silver coins or 20 dollar gold pieces either. So I guess the next place I go is studying removing the whole column.
 
I've done it with the column still in the car, but it would be easier to do this task on the workbench. I believe most, if not all the parts to reinstall it are available from most of the better V8 parts vendors.
 
I think the door key and steering lock is the same; might be easier to take door lock out and take it to a lock smith and get a key made.....just a thought
 
Get the door lock out.
Give me the code.
I make you a key.
You can DM me the code here on the Barn.
 
There is a set screw that secures it in the door.Look at inside edge of door and you will see a hole that aligns where the door lock is on the door.It is a slotted screw.Be careful and go slowly to loosen and partially unscrew it.Very often the screw is rusted in place.If the screw slot is busted then its big trouble.
 
If you live near a good lock smith they can make a key whithout removing the lock. But you would have to take the car to them or pay for a house call. Tim
 
They would need the code that is stamped on the lock cyl. The lock cyl will have to be removed to obtain the code. These Hurd lock cyls are near impossible to pick or have a set of master keys.
 
Thanks for all that. Have that set screw soaking in PB blaster. Too hot to mess with it today. Maybe early tomorrow. (Shade tree mechanic)
 
A couple of recommendations that have worked well for me:

~ BEFORE you try to remove the set-screw holding the door lock cylinder select the proper size screwdriver for the screw slot and dress the blade on a bench grinder to remove any knife edge due to wear. The blade should fit squarely and snugly in the slot without the chance of slipping out and damaging the screw slot.

~ Carefully see if you can TIGHTEN the screw slightly first to help break the rust bond and then work the screw in & out gradually and continue to flood the area with penetrant before coming all the way out. Take your time and don't force anything.

If the Blaster treatment doesn't seem to help, get some of this...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KROIL-P..._-325590176-_-0-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a
 
a moderate rap on the end of the screwdriver will often help in breaking the corrosion that may exist. as there is, by design, a slight gap between threads that initially fills with corrosion over time. a light tap can break it up, sometimes aiding in removal.

of course there are tools made that will also TURN the screw when rapped with a hammer, but IME, they are unnecessary. FCC (Fortunately, Corrosion Crumbles). :)
 
If the door lock key does not work in the steering column: The column locks by a bolt extending into part of the steering column. I am not aware of how to get the outer column off with the bolt extended. Best to remove the entire steering including the box if you want to save the column lock cylinder or very carefully drill and remove the cylinder retaining pin while in the car.
 
I have Kroil also and a torch. Not my first rodeo with rusty hardware but thanks for all the advice. Not happening for a couple days have other things going on. Pays to go slow and cautious YES
 
Look under the column lock cylinder to see if the cylinder has been drilled out previously. look for an allen head or screw driver slot on the end of the retaining pin. May get lucky.
 
32phil said:
Get the door lock out.
Give me the code.
I make you a key.
You can DM me the code here on the Barn.
Click to expand...

Phil made me a key from the door lock code on my ‘41, it worked better then when I had a locksmith store cut a key from an original key.
 
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