I have recently changed the ignition barrel on my 90. At first I thought the switch was on the way out so I replaced the switch however it turned out to be just a loose slider on the starter. Anyway, the steering lock thingy wasn't activating so I decided to replace the whole barrel. Now, my question is this: the steering lock is still not locking. I have taken the darn thing apart too many times to mention and I cannot seem to find the correct for the barrel to sit on the steering column. It lines up nicely with the plastic shroud on the steering column. Another thing I have noticed is that the steering wheel's movement is a little bit stiff and ever so slightly notchy. The only thing I can blame is the new ignition barrel not being in the correct position. Can anyone give me any pointers? I haven't found any information about it at all. Even a couple of pictures of the way the barrel should line up with the plastic shroud would help (I believe chrome bit of of the ignition barrell where the key goes in should protrude slightly, mine's currently sitting flush).

Got any pictures of it? What engine/spec 90?

I just did one last week..

Take the key out, so the latch for the steering lock is out, you can use that for a good fixed position.. then bolt up the bottom half, only fits one way.

My plastic shroud sits flush with it also btw

it's a 1989 90 with 300 tdi with a 300tdi-type steering wheel and column. i always took the key out when trying to fit it. Will the steering lock latch slide into a notch or something?

Here's an image

Unless they changed it on the later ones the actual barrel can only be fitted in one place as it has a raised ovel section that slots into the column and then the actually lock mechanism comes out of the centre of this. If this is not working then do the inner and outer column line up properly and is the slot in the inner column clear of debris and burs? I had one that was very chewed up where the steering lock had clearly been broken off by hauling the steering wheel round at some point.

Thanks for the pics fellers. will take it apart again and try to reposition it correctly.