Cant get steering wheel off! How do i get this bolt off? Pics

**ki11switch** · 02-26-2007 07:41 PM

hey guys, so im replacing my headlight switch and i need to remove the steering wheels. I have the airbag out and am now stuck on this. Its the main bolt thing that holds the steering wheel on. I used an allen that fit perfectly in it, with an extension and it bent the allen wrench. What do i need to do to get it out?

**goody6691** · 02-26-2007 07:56 PM

i think it is a 12 or 24 point. that, along with an air gun should get it right out

**pac1085** · 02-26-2007 07:57 PM

its a triple square (xzn)

I don't remember the size..12mm I think?

you can buy the triple square bits at an autozone if you have one(the other parts stores didnt have em around here) they are called 'metric internal wrench set" there.

don't use an allen or torx, you'll strip it. don't use air tools either, just a breaker bar.

**ki11switch** · 02-26-2007 08:00 PM

would napa have what i need?

**pac1085** · 02-26-2007 08:06 PM

I dunno...I tried a few stores but AutoZone was the only one that had them. They told me they didn't have them but they were on the shelf. Actually Pep Boys does too.

**BranCKY3** · 02-26-2007 08:17 PM

IIRC a T55 torx bit fits right in there. That's what I used, it came off using an extension and a socket wrench. It's on there really tight though, need to put some elbow into it.

**pac1085** · 02-26-2007 08:22 PM

I've had realllly bad luck using Torx bits where a triple square is supposed to be used. Spend a few dollars and get the right tool . How do you plan on getting it out if it were to strip?

**sean1.8t** · 02-26-2007 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by pac1085

How do you plan on getting it out if it were to strip?

sell the car and buy another one for $2500

**Tiluleshpingen** · 02-27-2007 01:29 AM

ahhahahaaha ^^^^^^

**turbo kraut** · 02-27-2007 03:14 AM

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec92.shtml

i used this and it took all of 45 minutes to get it off and back on, and everything is hooked up and steering wheel is aligned

the longest part was getting the dang clips unclipped for the electros

**ki11switch** · 02-27-2007 09:54 AM

so it looks like everyone has used the T55 tork bit... so i guess i will go pick one of those up today

**A4Rob** · 02-27-2007 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by BranCKY3

IIRC a T55 torx bit fits right in there. That's what I used, it came off using an extension and a socket wrench. It's on there really tight though, need to put some elbow into it.

Exactly what i did

**ki11switch** · 02-27-2007 06:02 PM

i just picked up a t55 torx, so i'll see what happens tonight

**ki11switch** · 02-27-2007 09:07 PM

alright, so its fixed! Got the switch out and it had melted a bit to where the spring loaded metal piece wouldnt go back up to make the contact. I just used an exacto nife to clean it up and bam it works again