rounded out safety torx bolt

FuLLaH · 03-28-2007

So I tried to replace my steering wheel with another one I bought but ran into an "issue"

I was using the correct safety torx bit and managed to get one of the three saferty torx bits out. I moved onto the other one but apparently Nissan used a shitload of loctite on the threads and it wouldnt budge at all. To top it off, the bolt ended up getting rounded out in the grooves where the bit goes.

So how the hell do I get that bolt out? the edges of the bolt is ROUND so I cant use a pliers or a clamp at all, it just slips right off.

I can cut the metal where the bolt attaches but I would be messing up a perfectly good steering wheel in the process.

I am thinking of drilling out the middle of the bolt but with the airbag being right there, I dont know if thats such a good idea.

What are my options??

XxPuNdOxX · 03-28-2007

dam,i hate when that happens. It always happens to the bolt that you cant remove any other way.try taking a smaller socket bit and beating it in to the surounding area of the bolt, if done properly the socket should turn the bolt with the socket rench. It usually work when that happens to me or if the screw it too tight. if you want a better idea of what i mean,let me know.All depends on the positioning of the bolt also.

Nismo06SE-R · 03-28-2007

if you can cut in that area, try cutting a slit into the head and use a flathead screw driver to turn it( if its that tight get a screwdriver that has a hex by the handle so you can put a wrench on it)

Kevin · 03-28-2007

Plasma cutter.

Mamut Se-R · 03-28-2007

try one of the bolt out kits..lol

hey, is that my torx bit that you messed up??

DanNY · 03-28-2007

get a slightly larger torx bit and use a hammer and hammer it into the hole. the bit will probably be crap once you're done..but if you hit it hard enough it'll get lodged in there and you should be ok to turn it.

plan b is using a reversing bit and EZ out. you don't have to drill THAT deep so you should still be ok. just make sure you're straight and not drilling slanted.

it is a secure torx where there's a peg sticking out in the middle of the bolt or is it just a regular torx?

TJ_Max · 03-28-2007

I agree with beating a socket onto it. By the way, when its round like that, I suggest trying a vice grip. A fresh vice grip (Teeth of the vice grip are very good) clamped on so tight that when you go to actually squeeze the vice close, you need both hands on there squeezing it as tight as possible til it finally locks down. After that, slip a breaker bar or something on one of the handles of the vice grip. If that fails (That's usually my last resort before going extreme), then i'd use one of those grapple sockets that are specifically designed to grab on to rounded or stripped bolts. This bit gets hammered on. Good luck my friend. Do not try to spray wd 40 or pb plaster on there right before you attempt to break the bolt. If you do, let it soak for a few minutes and keep the actual head of the bolt dry when you try to get it loose so nothing slips off.

FuLLaH · 03-29-2007

thanks for all the help guys. I can turn the steering wheel to have the bolt in any position needed so thats not going to be an issue. Im going to try to dremel the head off the bolt, that should work.

I tried using different bits and hammering them in there but the bolt still wont budge.

Dan-it is a secure torx bit with the peg in the middle.

matt-no the size im using is smaller than the one you lent me. Dont worry ill find urs or ill buy you back one.

DanNY · 03-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ_Max

I agree with beating a socket onto it. By the way, when its round like that, I suggest trying a vice grip. A fresh vice grip (Teeth of the vice grip are very good) clamped on so tight that when you go to actually squeeze the vice close, you need both hands on there squeezing it as tight as possible til it finally locks down. After that, slip a breaker bar or something on one of the handles of the vice grip. If that fails (That's usually my last resort before going extreme), then i'd use one of those grapple sockets that are specifically designed to grab on to rounded or stripped bolts. This bit gets hammered on. Good luck my friend. Do not try to spray wd 40 or pb plaster on there right before you attempt to break the bolt. If you do, let it soak for a few minutes and keep the actual head of the bolt dry when you try to get it loose so nothing slips off.

i thought the bolts were recessed into the hole. i don't think there's a way you can grab on to anything.

FuLLaH · 03-29-2007

^correct and also the edge is ROUND so a vise is useless

DanNY · 03-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuLLaH

thanks for all the help guys. I can turn the steering wheel to have the bolt in any position needed so thats not going to be an issue. Im going to try to dremel the head off the bolt, that should work.

I tried using different bits and hammering them in there but the bolt still wont budge.

Dan-it is a secure torx bit with the peg in the middle.

matt-no the size im using is smaller than the one you lent me. Dont worry ill find urs or ill buy you back one.

start drilling...make sure you don't break the windshield with the tools.

if you REALLY want to get hardcore pull the entire steering shaft out then you'll have plenty of room to work

FuLLaH · 03-29-2007

i dont want to get THAT hardcore but Ill see what happens.

thanks again!

DanNY · 03-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuLLaH

i dont want to get THAT hardcore but Ill see what happens.

thanks again!

it's a weird spot...drilling it crooked might damage the threads on the airbag causing it to be almost useless.

if you drill off center then you'll drill into the plastic around the rear of the steering wheel.

stupid question...is there a reason why you're pulling the bag off?

FuLLaH · 03-29-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanNY

it's a weird spot...drilling it crooked might damage the threads on the airbag causing it to be almost useless.

if you drill off center then you'll drill into the plastic around the rear of the steering wheel.

stupid question...is there a reason why you're pulling the bag off?

actually the bolt passes thru a flap on the airbag, its not connected to the airbag itself. Ill take a picture tomorrow to give you a better idea.

I need to pull the bag off to remove the steering wheel and put in the new one. I need to reuse the bag on the new steering wheel.

{-_-} · 03-29-2007

dan, don't worry, i'm coming to you when i decide to replace my steering wheel!