tell you what this is absolutely a great link. the garages wont tell you about this because they want a couple of hours labour doin work thats pointless.
your lock barel isnt broke. its crappy plastic mechainsm inside.
for golf mkIV (mk4) and similar cars that have the same glove box the front of the glove box does come off as stated in the link above.
it is glues and you will here snapping sound but be brave and carry on. you were gonna spend 70 quid a new one anyway!
the cover does completely come off if you keep going and it makes the job easier.
the only complicated bit to this repair is gluing the cover back on.
you'll need the right kind of epoxy glue and some clamps, but even with that included you end up with a stronger glove lid mechanism and save £100 at least.
russ williams
July 2008