Steering Column Lock - MOT Failure ???

My 1991 200tdi has never had a working steering column lock while I've had it. Now I'm hearing that this might be an MoT failure. Anyone know if that's true for my age/model ?

...and if I need a new one will I have to change the ignition keys or can you just swap the lock barrel across to the new lock ?

Not true.

News to me, but gov site has this:

The MOT test for your vehicle : Directgov - Motoring


Steering and suspension
Condition, steering oil level, operation, a check for inappropriate repairs or modification including corrosion to power steering pipes or hoses. Operation of steering lock mechanism. Check of the MIL for electronic power steering and steering lock.


Um - more research needed - mine passed this month and the steering lock was not tested!

EDIT: Oh - this (section C f) indicates yes

MOT UK - Mot information - resource for car and light commercial mot tests

Suppose it makes sense from a safety perspective - you wouldn't want your steering lock activating as you drive along!

Mine never had one fitted. Ex MOD.

So, should my 1991 200tdi have had one fitted ? I'm guessing it should, but am I right... ?

My 1994 has as standard. Would be surprised if they weren't standard in 1991.

Is yours fitted but broken or not fitted at all?

If it's not obvious that it had one originally, I'd just tell the tester 'it doesn't have one' - would be surprised if they had a database, unless it became compulsory for manufacturers to fit from a certain year.


EDIT: Appears to have been legislation in 1973 requiring them to be fitted to new vehicles

There's no evidence of anything having previously been broken, nothing catching, etc. It's just like it's never had one - which I find surprising. But if it's never had one I guess that solves my problem....

Simple answer from my MOT man:

If its there it's got to work. Having said that there is no law that requires you to have a steering lock of any description - no matter what age your motor. Its a bit like the spare wheel. If its on the car it has to be legal but you dont have to have one so leave a borderline spare at home for the duration of the MOT.

However the testers have been given no extra time nor are they allowed to charge more for all the extra bits they have to test so a lot of the smaller items are just not going to get checked properly.

as long as its not jamming causing the wheel to lock when it shouldnt be send it in!

just put a new barrel set in and that should sort it... did for me

Whilst on the subject.... is it easy to fit a steering lock (for what its worth) to an ex mod defender? I know they are easy to break but just wandered as its another level of security. They all help.

lucifus said:

Whilst on the subject.... is it easy to fit a steering lock (for what its worth) to an ex mod defender? I know they are easy to break but just wandered as its another level of security. They all help.

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Honestly no idea, but I would not bother - just get a disklock if you haven't already

steering lock is easy to break ,and easy to remove ,snapped headed bolts drill out easy and ignition switch swaps from on to the other

yeah ive got a disklok anyway - just wandering. Unfortunatly ive had a few cars stolen (non land rovers) over the years and each time the scum that stole them just sat in the passenger seat and kicked the steering wheel to break the locks

Is it possible to swap the steering lock and keep the same lock barrel and key ?

lucifus said:

yeah ive got a disklok anyway - just wandering. Unfortunatly ive had a few cars stolen (non land rovers) over the years and each time the scum that stole them just sat in the passenger seat and kicked the steering wheel to break the locks

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If the steering column has the notches in it to take the locking pin then all you'd need is a new barrel. I fitted one the other week for about £40 because some scrote tried to steal mine and failed, causing a lot of damage.
If it doesn't have the slots then I imagine you'd have to change the column or at least that section as well as the barrel.

The ex Mod defenders won't take a steering lock. I looked at fitting one to mine when I first got it and there was nothing to fit it to!!

Airways said:

The ex Mod defenders won't take a steering lock. I looked at fitting one to mine when I first got it and there was nothing to fit it to!!

Click to expand...

was there not a little slot on top side of column ?

jamesmartin said:

was there not a little slot on top side of column ?

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No there was nothing. I actually took it to a Landrover dealer to get one fitted and it was them that told me it could not be done.

Only way is to change out the whole column for one with the slot for the lock detent. Or if you know somebody with a Bridgeport get them to mill out the correct slot.

Lot of messing about for not a lot of security in my opinion.