Throwing in the towel (column lock switch)

[Steve Sears]

Ben,
It sounds like the pot metal connection between the key and the switch is 
the culprit in your case, as it has been recently manifesting itself in my 
car (and it's really getting worse).  The earlier type 44 columns have a 
single screw, and later (curved instrument binnacle) have the two screw 
electrical switch lock.  I had a spare curved binnacle column on hand, so I 
took the old hack saw to it - very carefully.  The spring that locks the 
ignition tumbler and link assembly into the socket in the column finds its 
home where the socket widens out just about a half inch back from the 
tumbler/socket joint (the socket is round nearer to the key, but where the 
spring lock is it's oblong in section).  I could drill a small hole in the 
oblong part of the piece of the socket that remained, and then pulling on 
the key in the socket while pushing the spring with a screwdriver I managed 
to get the tumbler and link free of the remains of the socket.  On the later 
Type 44 assembly I butchered, the link is attached to the key assembly with 
a small roll pin, which was fairly easy to drive out (provided that you 
support the cast link well...don't want _that_ to break!).  Once free the 
key and pin housing easily come out.
The part is uber-pricey here in Canadia ($100+taxes), but I found it on a 
site called Europarts America in Texas.  Part number 443905855A listed for 
$10.17 plus shipping.  The link is at:
http://europartsamerica.com/parts/product_details/443905855A
Once I get the part from Mark in West Seneca (it was really difficult to 
arrange a direct purchase to Canada for some reason) I'll take a bunch of 
pictures and do a write-up.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ben Swann" <benswann at verizon.net>
> Subject: RE: Throwing in the towel (column lock switch)
> To: "'Dave Defferding'" <MstrBlastr at comcast.net>
> Cc: 'Ben Swann' <benswann at verizon.net>, quattro at audifans.com, '200q20V
> mailing list' <200q20v at audifans.com>
> Message-ID: <012f01ca6c98$0b4090d0$0201a8c0 at swansong>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> ******** Audifans listers see below follow-up request for information on 
> steering column
> lock *******
> *
> Dave,
>
> The ignition switch itself is easy to replace on the Type 44.  See Al'S's 
> tips at ++++
> bottom email++++
> My problem is with the column lock that I believe requires removal of the 
> steering
> column or portions thereof.
>
> My column swith has been left unrepaired now for over a year.
> I simply use a screwdriver to turn the ignition switch module that is now 
> hanging, wire
> tied below the key.
> It can be replaced, and I figure the better part of a day that I simply 
> have allocated
> when nothing else is pressing - means I'll probably never get to it.  Se 
> la vi!
>
> The key still operates the column lock.  I have toyed with ideas like a 
> push button
> switch for starter and ignition enable toggle - this would be easier to 
> install than to
> do the ultimate fix.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Ben
>
> ******************************
>
> If any lister has real-world experience on how much time/effort is 
> required to replace
> the column lock assembly on the Type 44 - '91 2Ctqa specifically - Please 
> advise.
>
> ******************************