Steering wheel swap, any tech docs?

[jrobie79]

any way to get a steering wheel off without using the key? i found a sick one in the junkyard but no key, so there has to be some way to get it off without using the key.

[GraphicRage]

RE: expensive tools, I'm finding this out the hard way!

I'm a drummer and I redo vintage drumsets that need help, so I have a real nice full stack craftsman toolbox that I'm definitely going to clear out of my workshop and bring it up to the garage because all the car tools I've bought in the past couple months are wayyy more expensive than my drumset stuff! Luckily I've been able to find some snapon stuff used pretty cheap and always wind up in sears hardware on sale days so I don't completely break the bank, I'd rather spend the money on the car, not the tools...

But overall, yeah, the jobs I've tackled so far haven't been all that difficult, (including the steering wheel swap I just did...) I'm just psyching myself out because I don't want to break anything. The few parts that I needed to buy that were euro specific (the AFM, for example) took forever to show up.

My dd is an astro van which also hasn't been too overly difficult, just a bitch getting to that engine bay... Opening up the clean e30 is so much more fun!

[george graves]

Hmmm, going to have to google me up some "airbag porn" - surely Lovemy318 I can help me find that.

Actually - there are two torx screws hidden on the back of the wheel, that removes the air bag part so it can blow up in your face and break your eyeball socket if you don't follow the directions in the Bentley. Then, after you get out of the hospital, you remove it just like a normal wheel.

(Luke - I'm stealing that joke just FYI)

[StereoInstaller1]

The real question here is how the hell do you get an airbag wheel off?

Grease it up and rub on it?

[delfin]

The real question here is how the hell do you get an airbag wheel off?

[george graves]

Can't tell you have many time I've driven around with the wheel 20 degrees off center. It blows.

[StereoInstaller1]

Took me a few tries to line up my tech-2 wheel. Make sure your wheels are perfectly straight before you do it, it'll make it a lot easier.

I gave up trying to get it straight...I just carry the ratchet/socket with me for a day...I even leave the center cap off!

[Raxe]

Took me a few tries to line up my tech-2 wheel. Make sure your wheels are perfectly straight before you do it, it'll make it a lot easier.

[TopOfTheLine89]

Nice car, The simplicity of e30s is convienent. Its as if nothing is completely out of reach to the motivated starter mechanic. A big thing is having the right tools though. Not having the right tools can make a quicky seem like a Bear.

[87Blue325iC]

Thanks, I'm fully aware how to use the search function, I'm a programmer for a living and I already own the Bentley manual. I just completed doing an interior swap from tan to black among other odds and ends.

What I was looking for was tips and tricks for people in the real world that have worked, and as you see here, people have used different tricks to get them off without damage. As I didn't see anything immediately obvious, I figured I'd ask.

That's what a discussion forum is for, unless I'm somehow mistaken.

e34john, I'm in the same boat as you. I used to just drop my my cars off at my mechanic brother's house and not pay much attention, so I'm starting from square one, learning how to fix things myself.

Welcome - based on your calm, well mannered response here, you will do well in the face of those who forget they were new once too. Enjoy your car.

[ldsbeaker]

Probably would want to use a flat head, I used the one in my stanley jewlers kit but anything really narrow will work.

Yes, you're right. Don't know why I typed phillips. FLAT head.

[e34john]

Well you have a great car to do that with. These cars are all pretty simple and don't have tons of electronics either. I even did my mods myself, suspension, lights, engine and maintenence stuff. The E34 along eith the other cards we have at home is a lot harder.

[GraphicRage]

Thanks, I'm fully aware how to use the search function, I'm a programmer for a living and I already own the Bentley manual. I just completed doing an interior swap from tan to black among other odds and ends.

What I was looking for was tips and tricks for people in the real world that have worked, and as you see here, people have used different tricks to get them off without damage. As I didn't see anything immediately obvious, I figured I'd ask.

That's what a discussion forum is for, unless I'm somehow mistaken.

e34john, I'm in the same boat as you. I used to just drop my my cars off at my mechanic brother's house and not pay much attention, so I'm starting from square one, learning how to fix things myself.

[e34john]

Just stick a small phillips head in on an edge. (not top or bottom)
Pry it off. You'll see. It's not bad.

NOW. To take of the steering wheel, you'll need a 22mm socket, and a little bit of strength. Mark the shaft and the wheel, so you know how to orient the wheel when you put it back on.
Once you've loosened the 22mm nut, IT WON'T COME OFF!!
You have to turn the key to the II position to release the wheel lock.

Good luck!

Probably would want to use a flat head, I used the one in my stanley jewlers kit but anything really narrow will work.

But as mentioned you have to mark the shaft as suggested if your going to replace the same wheel because I tried to eyeball it and now its a little cocked.

Get a Bentley Manual, its probably like 50 bucks from Amazon or Pelican but that thing will show you everything, it helped me a lot and Im not too handy with the cars either since my dad was a mechanic for 25 years.

[akorcovelos]

Any DIY articles to change a tire?

http://www.ehow.com/how_2116360_change-flat-tire.html