Author Topic: Steering Wheel removal (Read 6810 times)

BlackBMWs · « **on:** July 20, 2009, 03:37:00 AM »

Anyone know how to remove a steering wheel without the ignition key?

I spotted a replacement for 91 vert at Pick n Pull, but know on other models, you need he ignition key to unlock the column to get the steering wheel off.

Anyone have any tricks that won't damage the steering wheel itself?

Thanks! :cool:

Danny707 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2009, 04:33:21 AM »

Pound the shit out of the lock cylinder with a screwdriver.

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2009, 05:00:38 AM »

long flat tip screwdriver and hammer.

BlackBMWs · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2009, 09:13:53 AM »

Cool, Thanks! :cool:

BlackBMWs · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2009, 01:58:40 PM »

Update: Wheel not coming off yet. Came home to get a bigger 4lb hammer with a heftyer screwdriver/prybar to try to continue to break the ignition lock. The center nut is out, no key igniton in the off "0" position. Already tried with a screwdriver and a big mallet. it appears to be loose on the shaft, but stuck in the lock. I will say the ignition locks on these cars seem to take major abuse...

I called a friend at the local BMW dealership, and he said to just use a puller as it's likely just stuck on the spline. I'll bring both a bigger hammer and a puller.

:mad:

BlackBMWs · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2009, 12:44:44 AM »

Oops, posted originally in the wrong thread. Sorry for the duplicate post...
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What a PITA to get the steering lock to disengage. You all wern't kidding about pounding the lock. I started with a 2lb hard rubber mallet ended up with a 4lb hammer and two screwdrivers.

Tools I ended up using, plus a 16mm wrench for the steering wheel puller, some WD-40, a rubber mallet, vice grips and 2 quarts of cold water. (it was really hot...)

I improvised to pull the steering wheel off the spline. The car I was pulling the steering wheel from had no seats. (Read no leverage)

Here's the metal pin that holds the steering wheel from turning or being released. I ended punching the back if the lock cylinder through the back of the lock housing, then got some vice grips on the shaft that turns the electric switch and spun the cylinder enough to disengage the metal pin.

I did see other E30's with mangled M-tech type steering wheels from folks who also had trouble with the pins.

Here's what I did with my hammer and screwdrivers.

$40 bucks for the steering wheel and airbag. Actually in really good shape. It'll be an improvement from my current wheel as the rubber has separated from the underlying metal frame and feels like a sponge. Not sure it was worth the time though in the 104 degree heat for a few hours... Anyway, it got down to not letting the lock beat me... :rolleyes:

Lesson learned: ebay next time... :cool:

carlos318is · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2009, 10:58:50 AM »

Mate that was some good going I would have given up after 20mins in that heat:mad:

BlackBMWs · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2009, 09:08:25 AM »

More stubborn than anything else.

Of course, I installed a three spoke I had in the garage instead of the airbag I got off this car. Nice looks vs. safety. hmmmmm... I'll likely put the airbag on in the long run... :rolleyes: