Removing Driver Air Bag - T30 torx

[jsutton]

Hello all:

I am attempting to replace the rack and pinion steering on my 1993 325i sedan and I'm at the stage in the BENTLEY manual where it suggests using a T30 torx to remove two retaining screws on the back side of the steering wheel to loosen and remove the SRS bag.

When I tried to seat (get a grip) with a cheap T30 torx from a socket set, it wouldn't . It seems too large as does a T27, but a T25 sort of grips but spins under turning pressure.

Has anyone removed this recently and is it really a T30 torx bolt in there? Can it be something else like a HEX nut?

Thanks,
Jim
Virginia

[Jeron]

You should be able tell visually if it is Torx or Hex.

So the T25 is stripping the head? Could the T25 have damaged the head so that the larger Torx doesnt fit properly?

[jsutton]

Jeron:

From your answer, I don't believe you understand which nut I'm inquiring about as the two retaining nuts are on the dashboard side the the steering wheel AND they are recessed into the hard rubber cavaity of the steering wheel.

There is no way (that I can imagine) to to visually see the nuts ... well maybe one of those flexible head pin cameras that SWAT team snake under doors to see bad guys.

I wonder how much they cost ???? Nahhhh ..........

[Jeron]

I haven't done a steering wheel removal yet but I think my rack is going out as we speak. What were the symptoms before your rack went out?

So you cant see them with a flashlight and a mirror? I have a DIY write up on "Airbag contact ring replacement" from our local CCA magazine but it would take me an hour to find it.

Here's a writeup but it simply mentions a T30. So I would think the T30 is correct.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961&highlight=air+bag+ring

[jsutton]

Flashlight and a mirror - ingenious!

That's what's cool about these boards - great ideas.

Thanks for the write-up, I'll check it out.
---WOW _ great write-up for the squeak fix tip too!