UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

I am trying to replace my barrel ignition on my Mk3 M reg Polo, after my previous key was pinched by some skallie

I have a replacement ignition barrel and key I purchased on tinternet.
I was informed that it was a straight forward 'in out' replacement of the old unit, and the hardest part was getting the locking washer off.

...After 3 hours of annihilating the previous barrel internals and getting the washer out, I came to the conclusion that the bast*d wasn't so easy to replace after all and it just don't wanna budge!


Can anybody enlighten me on how to remove the previous barrel ignition unit from the sterring column?
Or have I just made a complete has of it all

there is a certain tool that is meant to be used, dnt no wot it is tho. I went down the same route as you trying to get it off before eventually giving up & payin for it to be done.

is it just the lock barrel u need to get off or are are you trying to get the steering lock mechanism out as well!

if its the barrel, then its quite simple.
i have just changed the locks on my boulavard! all we did was drill a 6mm hole at a specific point on the steering lock which was above a spring on the actual lock. the spring needs to be pressed down with something and with the key in......ah, just realised, you have a lack of key! well you maybe able to do it n e way, anyway, you have to push the spring down and pull out the lock!

might be easier if i were to take pictures! if i get a chance i'll take a pic of where the hole is tomorrow!

also check in the haynes manual as if i remember it mentions where to drill the hole, although, that might be for the mk2!

sorry for the lame explaination but it may shed a bit of light on it for u!