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stripped steering wheel torx bolts... any advice?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by darth_bronchioles, May 30, 2023.

  1. May 30, 2023 at 11:05 PM
    #1
    darth_bronchioles

    darth_bronchioles [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was planning on doing the steering wheel upgrade, but accidentally stripped the torx screws holding the airbag in place. That loctite is a real PITA. Anyway, first thing I do is PB blast the bolts (and continues to do so every step of the way), then try is a rubber band around the torx head, no luck. Second thing I tried was using a carving Dremel bit (125) to carve new grooves to fit a flathead in there, but it didn't eNextven leave a dent. Third was the screw extractor kit. I start small, and work my way up to the largest one I have, but they all refuse to bite. Next, I tried to epoxy a hex wrench in there. I let it set a day, but the wrench just broke out without moving the bolt at all. Finally, I tried drilling out the bolts completely but after several HOURS of drilling too many dead batteries later, I've barley made it a few millimeters. I'm at my wits end with this, and have no idea how to get these damn bolts out. Anyway, here's what they look like now. Any suggestions on what to try next would be greatly appreciated.

    PXL_20230531_053042149~2.jpg
    PXL_20230531_053042149.jpg

    Edit: sorry about the gallery of the same shot there, I'm posting from my phone and there was no notification that the image uploaded correctly. Whoops.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. May 30, 2023 at 11:13 PM
    #2
    tacotunner06

    tacotunner06 Well-Known Member

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    Good new sharp cobalt bits and drill the head till it falls off is about the only thing I can think of, than once it’s off you can extract the rest of the bolt.
     
  3. May 30, 2023 at 11:27 PM
    #3
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    Yeah when you bust Loctited anything delicate loose.....touch the head of that fastener/nut with the tip of a 75w soldering iron..
    and count to twenty...turns it to butter....old RC trick....

    I would go buy u a multi pack of 1/8" high strength steel drill bits...
    and put em in a dremel....
    using a right angle adapter or wand on that dremel could make it little easier...
    use some cutting oil...or wax.......crayola...
     
    oldgreg likes this.
  4. May 30, 2023 at 11:44 PM
    #4
    Superdave1.0

    Superdave1.0 Grandma Dave

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    Looks and sounds like a nightmare. Drilling is likely the only option. $$$ drill bits.

    Welding a nut on is a possibility. That would be dangerous welding on an air bag though.
     
  5. May 31, 2023 at 12:04 AM
    #5
    darth_bronchioles

    darth_bronchioles [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Keep drilling. Got it. I'll head to Home Depot first thing in the morning and grab some tougher bits. Maybe some more cutting oil too. Hopefully it won't take too much longer.
     
  6. May 31, 2023 at 11:32 AM
    #6
    darth_bronchioles

    darth_bronchioles [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I never seem to learn the lesson "right tool for the right job". The cobalt bits made quick work of those bolts, took me 5 minutes tops to drill them out, I should have gotten those from the start instead of wasting 2 days. Thanks for the replies!
     
    ztwatson and tacotunner06 like this.
  7. Jan 18, 2025 at 12:42 PM
    #7
    Danimal88

    Danimal88 New Member

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    Did you back the screw out once you drilled it?
     
  8. Jan 18, 2025 at 1:05 PM
    #8
    JuniorVarsity

    JuniorVarsity I'm not a pickup truck guy. I have two.

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    Nice work, OP. Heat is my go-to for those situations, but a torch wouldn't play nice in that area of your vehicle....
     
    SpencerTacoSC likes this.

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