Ok....I'll try keep this to the point...

couple weeks ago, car wouldn't start, key goes in but ignition would not turn over to position one and could not get it started, just felt jammed up, didn't want to try too hard in case I snap the key. also noticed that steering wheel lock wasn't engaging.

replaced ignition barrel, now I can start it with slight difficulty, it's not a smooth effortless turn as it used to be...steering wheel lock still not engaging.

had a look at the old ignition barrel and it all appears correct and now it's outta the car it seems to work fine.
any ideas what's happened? Or is happening? Especially with the steering lock....did I just waste £150 on a new ignition barrel?

cheers in advance