How to remove a steering wheel without a key

[Alex Mc]

So I'm trying to pull some stalks off a car in a junkyard but need to remove the wheel in order to do so. Or at least I think I do.. Really am trying to get the cruise stalk. Any ideas? Keep in mind destruction is an option. These are crusher bound cars.

[flyboyx]

that is pretty tough to do. the steering wheel lock makes it really hard to get the wheel off, about the best you can hope for is to take off the big nut that holds the wheel in place and pry the shit out of it. you will break the plastic that shrouds the column. it is about the best you can hope for.

i have been able to remove the plastic column shroud and get in to the side of the cruise stalk screws with a pair of needle nose vise grips. you may try that too.

[Jurt]

Check this out, I have used this method before.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111073

[smerfs]

when I removed an mtech1 wheel off a junkyard car, I took a big ass pry bar, a nice large hammer, and a chisel and went to town on the ignition. It took me about 10 minutes in the blistering heat but it finally popped off and let me remove the wheel.

basically just need some brute strength and determination

[kway]

Y'all some destructive ass mofuggaz. That's all well and good on a junkyard car when all you want is the wheel, but there is a more elegant method if you want to do it without completely destroying anything (if you ever have to do it on your own car for say, a busted ignition lock). I can't take credit for coming up with it, but the guy who did isn't on teh forums so I'll pass it along.

I don't have pictures of every step, but it's easy enough to figure out without them.

You cut a flap in the steering wheel at the 12:00 position, pry it back and drill a 3/16" hole directly above the locking pin (roughly 12mm back from the steering column surround).

Use a straight pick, drill bit, whatever works to depress the lock pin (yes, it will push down even when "locked") and pull the steering wheel off.

A little super glue on the flap and there will be barely any evidence that you were there. One tip is if it's at all possible to turn the steering wheel, turn it upside down before you start, that way the flap will be at 6:00 while driving and even less noticeable.

[rkettner]

pull the whole column and take it home for removal later.

[slammin.e28]

A big FUCK YEAH! to kway! So simple and elegant!

[McGyver]

1) remove the big bolt
2)take a hack saw and work it in the space between the wheel and the black plastic shroud. just keep cutting until the wheel pulls off. the blade will eventually depress the locking lever so the wheel slides off easily.

i've done this quite a few times at the yard and its always worked for me.

[LJ851]

1) remove the big bolt
2)take a hack saw and work it in the space between the wheel and the black plastic shroud. just keep cutting until the wheel pulls off. the blade will eventually depress the locking lever so the wheel slides off easily.

i've done this quite a few times at the yard and its always worked for me.

Me too. +1

[bmw325csi]

i always break the ignition to the point i can turn it with a screw driver.

[bmw325csi]

Also help to keep some shaved keys with you. I was amazed at how many ignitions turned with a simple worn down e30 key.

[Alex Mc]

Thanks. I'll bring a hacksaw and a drill! I appreciate the input.

[schtozo]

I have stalk of an airbaged car! Pay shipping and its yours!

[Alex Mc]

I used the drilling method with great success on two cars this weekend. Top tip.

[IAmGary]

1) remove the big bolt
2)take a hack saw and work it in the space between the wheel and the black plastic shroud. just keep cutting until the wheel pulls off. the blade will eventually depress the locking lever so the wheel slides off easily.

i've done this quite a few times at the yard and its always worked for me.

+1, done this 3-4 times. Ruins the steering column but gets the wheel off.