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When removing the steering wheel I've tried various recommended methods to undo the the center bolt. (High torque air impact gun, 6ft extension pipe on the wrench with a strong friend holding the steering wheel, turning the front wheels to the left limit etc). None of those work on the factory LockTited bolts (and they are likely to strip the bolt which will need to be drilled through). It seems the problem is that the wheel still has some small play and only good method is to lock the steering wheel using a wooden bar as pictured, and ONLY if the steering wheel can't move even a bit, the bolt can be relatively easily undone with a rapid push on a longer wrench (10mm hex). Hopefully it will help someone....
The ignition key should be left turned on to ensure there is no steering column lock, battery needs to be disconnected and the air bag removed (two back airbag screws loosened up, not removed, using a thin Torx 30 of appropriate length). Those not familiar with airbag handling safety should not attempt this procedure.
But was the steering wheel immobilized so it would not move even a bit? From my experience even very high torque (impact wrench or extension pipe ) did not work if the steering wheel was allowed to move a bit. Once the wheel was secured in place, even a longer wrench worked (and I'm sure an impact or extension pipe would work even better but I did not need them)
Thanks for giving hope that I can undo the steering hex bolt.
For anyone else who does this, please ensure that you push in the orange pins fully as this caused an SRS fault and another headache
If you do not keep the key in the ignition there will be some drilling or lots replacement involved IF YOU TRIP ANTI-THEFT in the ignition switch. How do I know .. I watched a shop do it and thank goodness there is youtube showing what you have to drill out .
iv removed dozens of these wheels, dont think I have ever had to use anything other than my hand on the wheel and a breaker bar to loosen the bolt. the bolt is tightened to 60-80nm dont remember the exact number. but its not a whole lot.
if you have to put everything you have into loosening the bolt i suggest tightening it for a split second with an impact or breaker bar and then loosening. break up some of the locktite in there.
but for the most part my 3/8 millwaukee zips those bolts out every time.
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