* The cylinder is irretrievably seized: If attempts to free the cylinder using specialized tools fail, and the cylinder is damaged beyond repair within the column, replacing the whole column might be the only practical solution. The cost of labor to remove and replace the cylinder in a damaged state might exceed the cost of replacing the entire assembly.
* Damage to the column itself: Aggressive attempts to unlock a jammed cylinder can damage the internal mechanisms of the steering column. This damage might make repairing the column too expensive or impossible.
* Vehicle-Specific Design: Some vehicles have steering columns where the ignition lock cylinder is very integrated, making separation difficult or impractical. In these cases, replacement of the entire column is often the easiest and most cost-effective option.
It's important to note that a qualified mechanic should assess the situation. They will determine whether they can repair just the lock cylinder or if a complete column replacement is necessary. Trying to force the lock could cause further damage and increase the repair costs.
