New Steering Wheel

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Aug 14, 2011 | 10:10 PM

#21 (permalink)

LantanaTX

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Lantana, Republic of Texas

Re: New Steering Wheel

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHM2K

Bringing up a dead thread, but I need some help. I scored an ultra-rare wheel from overseas (more details later), and Steve and I had a bear of a time trying to get the Allen bolts (yes, the very first step) off the back.

We were using a 4mm Allen, and with the long side inserted behind the wheel, we couldn't get enough leverage on the bolt to break it loose. Even tried gripping the Allen with a crescent wrench, and the bolts were so tight that the wrench was starting to bend (!!!).

Rudy suggested a metric T-handle wrench to get the job done. Metric, we did not have. Went to Sears and second-guessed ourselves, thinking that the T-handle might not have enough "oomph" to break the bolts loose. So we walked away empty handed.

Are we missing an extremely obvious detail, like turning the bolts the wrong way? I can't imagine the tiny little screws behind the airbag requiring 80ft/lbs of torque to break loose. If you're looking at the wheel from the rear, we were trying to turn the bolts to the left (counterclockwise) to break them loose. They wouldn't budge.

Needless to say, we didn't get too far and called it a day.

While we're asking, what size nut is the center of the wheel held on with?

Thanks Bob,

The two bolts you are trying to remove are actually Torx. I bought this thing that looks like a pocket knife with all the different size torx that fold out. Unfortuanately they weren't quite long enough to reach the bolt, so I took the tool apart, found the one that fit and held onto it with Vise grips. This worked good the bolts came right out. disonnect your battery before start. I forgot and was told I was lucky I didn't have an airbag go off in my face! The center bolt that holds the wheel on is even harder to get off. It is a large Allen if I remember right. An impact wrench wouldbe best but I think had to hit the allen wrench with a hammer. It takes sudden shock to lossen it. Other than this is not too hard.

Aug 14, 2011 | 10:19 PM

#22 (permalink)

JHM2K

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 6,349

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From: Murfreesboro, TN

Re: New Steering Wheel

Quote:

Originally Posted by LantanaTX

Interesting... Rudy said they were Torx as well but we got a 4mm Allen to snug up. Apparently not snug enough

Do you think a T-handle torx driver could generate enough torque to break the bolts loose? If so, I may just go ahead and buy the set from Sears b/c Lord knows there's enough Torx bits on this car... we'll eventually need 'em.

We did disconnect the battery, haha. But, since we didn't have the proper tools, we basically accomplished nothing other than defaulting my clock to 12:00...

Steve has an impact... not sure about the Allen sockets. If you happen to remember which size, let me know and I'll make sure Steve has one.

Nonetheless, I won't be able to attempt again until Saturday

because I'm also doing a gauge upgrade, and wanted to kill both birds with one stone. We're both unsure as to the amount of time it will take. Best case a couple hours, worst case... a day.

Thank you for the tips!