Trying to remove steering wheel

[jamiholzbach]

I found a good condition M-tech 1 steering wheel at the pic-n-pull, but the steering is locked and they have no keys. If I can manage to rip the ignition cylinder out, would that unlock the steering so I can pull the wheel off? Has anyone ever done this before?

[jamiholzbach]

just searched and saw abunch of threads...

...about trying to get it off, but none about anyone successfully busting the cylinder.

[kronus]

Your only option is to rip the rest of the car to shreds until all that remains is the steering wheel.

[330SMG]

I have... you need a three lb hammer and some thin chisels/old thin screwdrivers.
First you need to break the collar around the lock, hit it a few times with the hammer
Then take the screw driver and blast the lock cylinder where the key goes.
Occasionally take another chisel or screwdriver and blast the outside of the cylinder.
If you hit it right it should take about 20 minutes. the goal is to have the lock cylinder fall out and use a screwdriver to turn the plastic piece in the back to unlock the column

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

just try to turn really hard, it should break the single plastic piece that locks teh steering wheel in place.

personally, I've never tried it, but I used to do it on Hondas all the time.......and I've seen the plastic behind an E30's steering wheel keeping it locked, it ain't much.

[jlevie]

"single plastic piece that locks teh steering wheel in place"? The ones I've seen have a metal bar that drops down into a notch in the steering wheel. you won't break that by twisting on the wheel.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

oh hmmmmm

what is that little plastic piece then

[StereoInstaller1]

Bring a slidehammer and pop the lock out.

[gearheadE30]

the only plastic pin in mine was the turn signal cancel lever thing. The lock on my '91 318is is metal.

[ethree]

Use the cordless sawzall to cut the top of the column until you find the pin.
Did you try your key before destroyng the cylinder?

[CAOSyAMOR]

all this for an MTechI? Aren't they going for pretty reasonable prices these days?

[ethirtydavid]

yeah steering wheel is locked by an 8-10mm metal rectangle that pops up into one of about metal notches on the inside of steering wheel. that plastic thing cancels the turn signal.

[jamiholzbach]

Trying again

I'm gonna try to get it again, using a dent puller to rip out the cylinder. Yes, I know M-tech 1's are available, but for $17 ?