Removing stripped hex bolt (3/22/2008 updated with pics)

[subaru_terrence]

I bought a jdm spec c steering wheel today...so i went ahead to do the installation.

First of all, I took off one of the hex bolts that hold on the airbag but not the other one http://www.toronto-subaru-club.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif

It is stripped a bit...is there any way I can take it out without damaging my stock steering wheel?

Any help would be appreciated!


DONE DONE DONE!!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMG_4689-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMG_4691-1.jpg
these are the pics
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMG_4688-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/03/IMG_4681-1.jpg

[sybir]

Eesh........it's not a hex bolt, it's torx, that's why you stripped it, and it looks like you stripped it pretty throughly. :(

Not sure if you'll be able to pop it loose with the proper sized Torx bit, now.

Does your new wheel have the same bolts? If so, you can maybe use a backout bit to get it out, but it'll destroy that fastener (more than it already is) in the process.

[dplacencia]

Yeah dude it's a torques bit. It's going to be a pain for you to try to get that out. Good luck.

[02legacygt]

yeah very carefully take a drill and drill a hole into the screw, then take a screw, head of your choice, and screw it into the new hole in the torque screw once secure, unscrew the whole, NEW screw, should come right out, i really hope this helps this is what i haad to do once on my neon, i was changing the crack sensor and the head snapped off the bolt... i used the same kinda trick!

[HotBoxer]

try a left handed drill bit. should come right out. you can get them at any hardware store.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Go to an auto parts store, like advance auto, ask to borrow the torx driver of appropriate size and try that first. :cool: Seriously, maybe there's enough there to get the screw going. And if not, then, oh well, you're probably going to destroy the screw using any of the above methods anyway.

i've gotten stuck screws out using a cut off wheel on a dremel and putting a nice gash across the head and then use a flathead screw driver to back it out. Doesn't look like you have any room to do that though.

[Navig8r]

yeah very carefully take a drill and drill a hole into the screw, then take a screw, head of your choice, and screw it into the new hole in the torque screw once secure, unscrew the whole, NEW screw, should come right out, i really hope this helps this is what i haad to do once on my neon, i was changing the crack sensor and the head snapped off the bolt... i used the same kinda trick!

DONT DO THIS.... waste of time... the screw you put in is likely to back right out. Over-tightening it so it wont, will just drive the screw you are trying to remove tighter.
Instead, go to auto parts store, with the one good screw.
Ask for an "Easy Out" type screw extractor, to fit the existing hole for the tool (which is stripped on the 'bad' screw)
To see what the Easy Out looks like.. check here:
http://www.toolprice.com/product/1219A/Srew_Extractor__Bolt__Stud_Extractor__Bolt_Removal.html
Tap it in, use the proper tool to turn it, and it should back out the screw.

As others suggested, reverse drill bits with extractors on them are nice too, but you may not need to drill the head, since you are dealing with a socket head to begin with.

Oh, and get yourself a set of Torx sockets to keep in your toolbox, the right tool always takes less time than any other solution. But you know that now :wink:

[subaru_terrence]

There's a member from my local forum is coming today with the "easy out" and torx kit to help me out today...hopefully everything will turn out nicely

[d1giPhux]

^ Let us know how it works out. btw.. i HATE super small torx screws.. like the ones used on cell phones and stuff.. because its wicked hard to find the torx wrenches of proper size sometimes.. but.. ebay has everything! LOL.. anyways.. back on subject. Hope it works out for ya!

[subaru_terrence]

done! pics are uploaded...
but there is a new problem...
the steering wheel doesnt align properly...

if I am going straight, the wheel is slightly tilted to the right...

did i do anything wrong?

[Plays_with_Toys]

So which method worked? And I believe your steering wheel/tires need to be dead nuts straight before removal/installation to avoid that.

[Huffer]

done! pics are uploaded...
but there is a new problem...
the steering wheel doesnt align properly...

if I am going straight, the wheel is slightly tilted to the right...

did i do anything wrong?

Wheels/tires need to be straight, you may need to reinstall the wheel again.

[d1giPhux]

How much did you pick the wheel up for? Was that the forester one I saw go for mad cheap on there? Also, you going to re-install the cruise control stuff


Btw.. might be helpful to tell HOW you got the screw out as well.. i was kinda wondering that!

[subaru_terrence]

my buddy used the "easyout" extractor

basically he put it in a ratchet, hammered it a little bit so it was stuck in the bolt, then started taking it out like a normal bolt.

It was very easy, you just need some muscle to take it out.

Which forester one? I picked this one up for $150CDN locally.

I dont think I am going to re-install the cruise control since I barely use it anyways, I will just leave it as it is

[d1giPhux]

Do you think it would be hard to re-install the cruise control? I like the JDM wheels.. but.. i also like my cruise control.. haha.

[DLC]

You just have to cut a small hole. The CC stalk bolts right in.

[sharky nrk]

looks good - what did the wheel cost you

[subaru_terrence]

looks good - what did the wheel cost you

$150CDN
picked it up locally

very nice wheel! I like the grip of it and the red stitches :P