Any way to unlock steering column without key?

need RX7 · 08-07-2010, 04:46 PM

I was picking over an FC at the junkyard yesterday, and decided I wanted to take the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the wheel is locked in a horrible position, making it impossible to access the screws that hold on the center piece, therefore blocking access to the mounting nut. I could ask them if they have the key, but I doubt they'll have it (super redneck, unorganized place

). Anything I can do? Is it possible to jerk it around enough to break it? What locks the column, anyway?

misterstyx69 · 08-07-2010, 08:13 PM

You can bust the Surround off,if that is OK with the 'rednecks'.
But really you have to take the screws out of the Back of the steering wheel to get at the Nut to take the steering wheel off the Shaft.
The ignition switch has a small "key" like insert that goes in a hole in the steering shaft to lock it in place.IF you can take the Ignition switch off then you can move the steering wheel Freely.

need RX7 · 08-07-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misterstyx69

The ignition switch has a small "key" like insert that goes in a hole in the steering shaft to lock it in place.IF you can take the Ignition switch off then you can move the steering wheel Freely.

Cool, I'll give that a try next time I'm out there. It's locked in such a way that puts all of the screws right in front of the dash. If I could just move it a little bit, I could get a screwdriver on the screws.

I don't think they'll mind if I break off the steering column surround, half of the cars back there are sunk into the mud and have trees growing out of them, most have been filled up to the windows with rain and some even have animals living inside them.

08-07-2010, 04:46 PM	#1
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI iTrader: (0) Posts: 485 Rep Power: 17	Any way to unlock the steering column without a key? I was picking over an FC at the junkyard yesterday, and decided I wanted to take the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the wheel is locked in a horrible position, making it impossible to access the screws that hold on the center piece, therefore blocking access to the mounting nut. I could ask them if they have the key, but I doubt they'll have it (super redneck, unorganized place ). Anything I can do? Is it possible to jerk it around enough to break it? What locks the column, anyway? __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress. Last edited by need RX7; 08-07-2010 at 04:52 PM..

08-07-2010, 08:13 PM	#2
misterstyx69 .drives like MrMagoo! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Smiths Falls,Ontario iTrader: (5) Posts: 198 Rep Power: 17	You can bust the Surround off,if that is OK with the 'rednecks'. But really you have to take the screws out of the Back of the steering wheel to get at the Nut to take the steering wheel off the Shaft. The ignition switch has a small "key" like insert that goes in a hole in the steering shaft to lock it in place.IF you can take the Ignition switch off then you can move the steering wheel Freely.