Broken down yet again

[RPWC]

Steering lock jammed and key wont turn, tried riving it and tapping gently with hammer, no good so waiting for RAC to attend . 10 plate Dispatch anyone had similar before?

[Hell Razor5543]

I assume you have tried wiggling the steering wheel while turning the key? If the steering is 'leaning' heavily on the lock the key cannot turn, as there is too much friction on the latch for it to be retracted, but wiggling the steering wheel may just allow the latch to move.

[RPWC]

Yes tried rocking wheel wirh a bit of force still nothing

[GiveMeABreak]

Rich, this can happen when the van is parked up and the key removed with wheels at an angle.

There is pressure on the lock as the steering tries to return to normal. Check the angle of the wheels, then apply some GENTLE pressure to the steering wheel in the same direction the wheels are pointing and try to turn the key gently - never knock or bash it that will do more damage!

As you are doing this, gently turn and try to move the key and pull it out as you are applying the pressure.

[RPWC]

RAC came and said barrell had collapsed, ie the pins hadnt released. Wheels were straight at the time, sourced a second hand one from a Pug/Citroen breaker about 15 miles away, RAC man ran me over, collected replacement barrel with key, he fitted it for me and transferred the key innards to the new one. This van's dsys in my ownership are numbered

[white exec]

That's extraordinarily good RAC service!

[GiveMeABreak]

Well done!