General Uno 45 Formula 1990

[Nic Giles]

Hi all,
My Uno got broken into a couple of weeks ago. The B******s broke the steering lock, but didnt get as far as hotwiring it cos they were scared off.
My ignition barrel works ok. What I want to know is, will I have to replace the barrel, or is it safe to drive without the steering lock working? Hope someone out there has the answer.
Thanks

 

[Chas Uno]

Hi all,
My Uno got broken into a couple of weeks ago. The B******s broke the steering lock, but didnt get as far as hotwiring it cos they were scared off.
My ignition barrel works ok. What I want to know is, will I have to replace the barrel, or is it safe to drive without the steering lock working? Hope someone out there has the answer.
Thanks

The only issue would be whether there is a risk of the damaged steering lock coming on when driving, which would have potentially lethal consequenses. If it is totally disabled and cannot come on then there is no problem. However, to be on the safe side I'd get it replaced. You should be able to pick up a second hand lock and barrel for not a lot. They're not difficult to change other than you have to remove the shear head bolts by drilling them out. Alternatively, pick up a complete steering colomn with a lock/ barrel already attached and just swap the entire column over

 

[Louie Bee]

Welcome here.

I’d replace the barrel to be on the safe side. As above you really don’t want the steering lock coming back to life when your on the move.

Chas, have you ever tried drilling the Uno sheer bolts? Not an easy job.. The heads are convex and the drill bit just bounces off. I’d say replace the top section of the steering rack.

Sounds hard, bit it’s 3 screws to remove the cowling, unplug the electrical connectors from the back of the switch, pop out the horn press, remove the steering wheel (1 24mm Nut), remove the upper nut and bolt from the steering rack (13mm), remove the unit from the dash (4 13mm nuts / bolts – can’t quite remember).

Fit the unit you got out of the FF parts for sale section.. like here https://www.fiatforum.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=14542&cat=72 Coff coff in reverse order to removal

 

[alexGS]

I have drilled Uno shear bolts Have to use a Dremel-like tool to grind the top flat first...

I agree, it's a real pain - much more sensible to change the steering column complete, now that the whole assembly is not worth much to anyone.

You then have the choice of changing the door and tailgate locks to suit the ignition key, or - even more work! - take those other locks apart and grind down tumblers to suit the ignition key (compromises security, but security is not exactly high in an Uno at the best of times!), OR use two keys (the technique for identifying one key from the other is to grind notches into the sides of the key, so you can easily identify the ignition key by feel).

-Alex

 

[Nic Giles]

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate your help, I will give it a go. Will let you know how I get on.