help! 85 diesel golf ignition switch removal

[helicA]

so i'm trying to get power to my lowbeams i've chased the low beam wire from the headlights to behind the relay panel to the high beam switch and have found my way to the ignition switch which seems to be the problem. so i removed the turn signal and windshield wiper switch (following bentley manual instructions) and now i have no idea how to remove the ignition switch because the lock washer, spring and horn contact ring seem to want to remain on the steering column. before i do anything stupid do i need some kind of puller or is there some way to test/remove the ignition switch without messing with any of these components?
thanks
helicA