Andres Morejon

Hey everyone,
So I was removing my airbag in my 2005 E55 and the 1st bolt was fine and of course the 2nd one is stripped big time. I'm wondering what ideas anyone might have. Lower the steering column and drill it? Buy a 90 degree adapter for a drill? Any help would mean a lot. Thanks

E55Greasemonkey

Are you using the proper T30 socket?

Andres Morejon

I think I used a T-27. I guess it wasn't the best fit since it only worked on the 1st bolt.

E55Greasemonkey

bobgodd

Yes, use a T30. You're probably in luck though, most likely only the highest points of the screw are stripped. Stick good strong T30 in there and apply lots of pressure so it doesn't try to cam out. Pressure into the screw and turn slowly, you should be able to get it to loosen doing that. I did exactly the same thing yesterday lol.

With respect to finding a new bolt, there is no part number for the W211 for just the bolt. What I did temporarily, was put the stripped bolt back only snug (not even snug, just turn (slowly/gently) to stop). There's thread-locker on it so I don't expect it to back out. I'm working on finding a replacement bolt, I'll let you know what I come up with tomorrow.

bobgodd

Well, I had tried a different part number and unfortunately it didn't work out. As far as I can tell, the bolt isn't available separately, you'd have to find one off of a wrecked car is my guess.

I still think you've got a very good chance of getting the stripped bolt out though... as I quite literally went through this exact same scenario last week. In my case, only the upper most edges of the bolt were stripped (from using a T27 bit), but I was able to firmly seat a T30 all the way into the bottom of the bolt head and get good enough grip to get it loose. Get a 4 inch T30 socket extension, and pressure it firmly into the bolt and it should come out.

Andres Morejon

I will give it a shot. Thank you!