Problem with steering wheel removal

[RD996]

I'm trying to remove my airbag unit using a T30 allen wrench. It's one of those jobs with the multiple size fold out shafts. I can feel the bit locking into the bolt but I can't seem to break the bolt loose for the life of me given the leverage I can get on that unit. I guess my questions are:

are these normally supposed to be that tight? (original wheel)

and

is a T30 the right bit? why do I keep reading about a T27? The new wheel I'm putting on has T30 bolts.

I'm going to look for a T30 with a socket drive and a 3-4" shaft that I can get more leverage on but I'm a little worried given how tight these seem to be.

Am I missing anything here?

thanks

Rich

Edited January 27, 2014 by RD996

[Ronnie38]

I have found that there are metric and US versions of the Torx bits. The smaller bits work ok on metric heads, but the larger do not.

What you can do is use an impact driver on the screw to break it loose.

[binger]

Before working on any SRS system (Airbag) remove the negative terminal side on the battery and wait at least 15 minutes for the capacitor to fully bleed off power. If your not comfortable working on complex electrical components. I would leave it to a professional that works on airbag systems. With that said see below.

You need a T30 Torx bit that is 3" in length. and a 1/4"drive ratchet. You have to fineness the bit in to the fastener and carefully get it out without stripping the head. On Porsche steering wheels the bit will be on a slight angle and you need to be sure you have seated it all the way to the fastener. Also Do not ever use a impact driver on any SRS system (Airbag)!! Also do not get with in 11 1/2" of the airbag as it can really hurt or even kill you at that distance. With the proper tools it will break it loose.

[kbrandsma]

I have used a pair of vice grips on a T30 Torx bit screw driver to get additional leverage. Turning it clockwise to break it loose. They are difficult to break free but eventually will.

Edited January 28, 2014 by kbrandsma

[binger]

I would not recommend turning the fastener clockwise as it will tighten and a possibility of shearing it off. If you use the proper tools you will not have any issues.

Edited January 28, 2014 by binger

[kbrandsma]

I would not recommend turning the fastener clockwise as it will tighten and a possibility of shearing it off. If you use the proper tools you will not have any issues.

Yeah, sounds confusing but, if you turning the torx screw driver clockwise from the driver's seat, the torx bit is actually facing the driver and so you are turning the screw counter clockwise and loosening it.

If you are using a ratchet that makes it easier.

Edited January 28, 2014 by kbrandsma

[RD996]

Thanks everyone, I did get them out with a ½" drive T30 bit from Harbor Freight. Once I got a little leverage they weren't that bad. New wheel is in and I really like it. It's the RAID wheel with paddles from Gert / Carnewal.

[kbrandsma]

Thanks everyone, I did get them out with a ½" drive T30 bit from Harbor Freight. Once I got a little leverage they weren't that bad. New wheel is in and I really like it. It's the RAID wheel with paddles from Gert / Carnewal.

Congrats! Nice mod and upgrade! :drive: