Ignition roller bearing things?!
 

Has anyone else had issues with the top roller bearing dropping down preventng the key being put in?

Must be a lug or spring gone but it looks like im jacking the car as I use a tiny screwdriver to push it back up to get the key in? Tried popping it out but its very slightly larger than the slot for the key.

They dont seem to have any real purpose, Any ideas if it can be removed if I take out the whole assembly? Dont really want to go to the effort only to find its a sealed unit as I suspect it will be.

Sounds like a worn barrel normally caused by excessively weighted keyrings. It's probably a guide for the key to go in if not then it might be part of the tumbler mechanism.

Yer looks like they are just a guide for the key although dont reckon it makes much of a difference. Happened after I took it to kwik fit to have a exhaust stud replaced.

Old thread I know, but my ZS does this!

I have to flick up the little roller bearing with the key before I can slide the key in, what a pain in the arse..

I might have a go at pulling it out see if I can.. Either that or ram something in there to hold it up :laugh:

got a lock smith near you might be able to do something ??

None that I know of lol..

Might just pull the bearings out and see what happens, they just seem in the way anyway..

I've not attempted an ignition lock but I've dismanteled several door and petrol lock barrels, it's not difficult, just fiddly.

I ended up taking a screwdriver to it and bending the guide in slightly so the bearings done drop down.

IIRC.... if you remove the cowling from the steering column you can pop off the "cover" around these rollers and drop them out... re assemble and its now functional but not pretty :) :whistle:

^^ I think thats already been done to be fair lol..

Il get some pictures..

Its the bottom bearing that drops, I have to flick it up with the key so they are both straight before I put the key in, im getting good at it now though, I dont even have to look anymore haha..