Toyota Repair: Locked steering wheel/ignition, graphite powder, sterring wheel

Question
We have a 2003 Corolla and if we do not have the tires facing dead ahead (steering wheel in position to drive straight) when we turn off the car we have problems starting it again.  The ignition will not turn.  We have spent up to 30 minutes shaking the locked sterring wheel before the ignition would finally release.  I have a tendancy to forgot this problem because I drive our other vehicle (Tacoma) and it seems I am the one who will the wheels facing the wrong direction. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Aaron,

Usually just holding the steering wheel to one side will allow the lock to turn. But in your case it sounds like either the lock casing to steering column mounting bolts are loose or it just needs to be lubed.  I would buy a small tube of graphite powder and spray it into the lock cylinder to lube it. You can also sprinkle it on the key and insert it in & out a few times the wipe off the excess.

If that doesn't work check the mounting clamp bolts on the steering column. They are a special bolt designed to break off preventing theft and sometimes they break too early leaving the bolts loose.  You will know it is them since they have no bolt head left.