1979 RX-7 and the ignition key wont turn past unlocking the steering wheel. Once I remove the assembly can I easily remove the lock cylinder to remove the bent or binding tumbler rather than replacing the whole assembly? I work at a Mazda dealership and my lead tech said take the assembly to a locksmith to repair rather than replace it. My service manuals say nothing about removal of the lock cyl. from the locking collar. Anybody out there done this repair before? Just trying to repair this myself and save some time and money.

 

is the steering locked as well? if it is, put the key in and hit the steering wheel in an upward motion, turning it to the right with your left hand, and turn the key with your right hand. that should unlock it. it's happened to me a ton of times.

 

Your tech guy is correct. Its not hard to do except sometimes, those key shops wont have any blank mazda keys. PM RX7doctor, I think he has a set for sale (inlcuding keys).