What is the best way to get a post 1985 steering wheel off
at the yard without the key?
Does anyone have any tricks they would like to share?
Thanks
Ray
How to get a steering wheel off at the yard, without a key??
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Ray in Phoenix
- Posts: 1444
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006
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Bimmerguy2002
- Posts: 11973
- Joined: Oct 03, 2007
- Location: Lodi, California
I just did this to get an M-Technic I wheel.
1) Bust off the column covers -- I don't normall advocate destruction of other parts when getting to a part, but you can't get 'em off with the wheel on.
2) Using a long screwdriver and a large hammer, break off the lock outer ring by hitting from the left side of the column.
3) Take a Channel Lock "Nut Buster" (or whatever), grasp the lock cylinder area, and wrench it free about its axis.
4) Pull out lock cylinder.
5) Remove wheel.
1) Bust off the column covers -- I don't normall advocate destruction of other parts when getting to a part, but you can't get 'em off with the wheel on.
2) Using a long screwdriver and a large hammer, break off the lock outer ring by hitting from the left side of the column.
3) Take a Channel Lock "Nut Buster" (or whatever), grasp the lock cylinder area, and wrench it free about its axis.
4) Pull out lock cylinder.
5) Remove wheel.
Worst steering wheel removal suggestion ever!Bimmerguy2002 wrote:hacksaw behind the wheel
Are you guys serious? If all you want is the wheel, why not just plan ahead and take a pocket screwdriver to pry out the roundel, a 1/2" ratchet, a 3-6" extension, and a 24mm socket and remove the nut? It will fall off in your hands. If it's an airbag wheel, same thing applies except you'll need a T27 (as I recall)Torx to release the two airbag screws.
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JoshInAtlanta
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- Location: Holly Springs, GA
My guess is it's more complicated for post-85. I've never owned one, but all my 85 or less cars have been changed like you describe.Tucker wrote:Are you guys serious? If all you want is the wheel, why not just plan ahead and take a pocket screwdriver to pry out the roundel, a 1/2" ratchet, a 3-6" extension, and a 24mm socket and remove the nut? It will fall off in your hands. If it's an airbag wheel, same thing applies except you'll need a T27 (as I recall)Torx to release the two airbag screws.
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Kyle in NO
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- Location: Nasty Orleans------> Batten-Rooehjch------>More Souther LA
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California Dreamin'
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- Joined: Jul 12, 2007
- Location: Californee
Yes, it's more complicated than merely removing the 22mm bolt that holds on the wheel.
On the later cars, the steering wheel lock function clamps down on the inner hub of the wheel. So, when the steering is locked - which means the key is not in the ignition - the wheel won't come off when unbolted.
That explains the various methods discussed above. I have left many a nice wheel at Pick n Pull for that reason. And seats too, since you can't power up the cars to move them fore and aft to unbolt them.
CD
On the later cars, the steering wheel lock function clamps down on the inner hub of the wheel. So, when the steering is locked - which means the key is not in the ignition - the wheel won't come off when unbolted.
That explains the various methods discussed above. I have left many a nice wheel at Pick n Pull for that reason. And seats too, since you can't power up the cars to move them fore and aft to unbolt them.
CD
You can get the seats by simply bringing a jumper box and two small probes, powering the seat motors at the harness. I've removed countless seats at the salvage yards doing this. Now never leave a set behind that you wantCalifornia Dreamin' wrote:Yes, it's more complicated than merely removing the 22mm bolt that holds on the wheel.
On the later cars, the steering wheel lock function clamps down on the inner hub of the wheel. So, when the steering is locked - which means the key is not in the ignition - the wheel won't come off when unbolted.
That explains the various methods discussed above. I have left many a nice wheel at Pick n Pull for that reason. And seats too, since you can't power up the cars to move them fore and aft to unbolt them.
CD