My heads gonna explode
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 779
Likes: 67
From: Simi Valley Ca
St. Jude Donor '12
My heads gonna explode
Well, I tried to do the horn membrane replacement tonight and ran into the same problem as another member, pikerunner...got one of the T30 bolts loose trying to remove the airbag cover, but STRIPPED the other! Since his post back in 2010 didn't get an answer as to what to do now, I'm asking for your help again.
Any recommendations on how to get the POS bolt out would be greatly appreciated.
Ken
Any recommendations on how to get the POS bolt out would be greatly appreciated.
Ken
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 825
Likes: 66
From: Baltimore Md
Try the next size up in torx... Tap it in with a mallet to get it to fit well. Another possible solution is using a flathead screwdriver filed down to the right length and turned with vice grips.
If all else fails, a set of screw extractors from harbor freight or the local tool place should do the trick for you
If all else fails, a set of screw extractors from harbor freight or the local tool place should do the trick for you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 6
From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
Yeah, a flat screw driver or a bigger torx bit/screw-driver have done the trick for me. The flat head screw driver is the one I would go for first because if you strip the allready stripped torx head it will be a worse pita.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 779
Likes: 67
From: Simi Valley Ca
St. Jude Donor '12
First, thanks so much for those who have replied. I was one screw away from getting my horn working again. 
The problem is access to the screws. Not only are they impossible to see because they are so deep set in the back of the steering wheel, but there is very limited space to work. You really have to be able to apply a lot of torque to break them free, so using the flat head screw driver will be a challange. I have screw extractors, but again, you have to drill into the screw first before using the extractor. I'm thinking of trying the extractor method using a drill and flex shaft, but its so damn hard to tell if you are lined up on the screw or not. I don't want to damage the airbag. Also, for those that were lucky enough to get these removed, can replacement screws be purchased at a local hardware store or are they a GM only item?
Btw, for those in the know, would I use a #2 extractor bit for a T30 size screw/bolt?
The problem is access to the screws. Not only are they impossible to see because they are so deep set in the back of the steering wheel, but there is very limited space to work. You really have to be able to apply a lot of torque to break them free, so using the flat head screw driver will be a challange. I have screw extractors, but again, you have to drill into the screw first before using the extractor. I'm thinking of trying the extractor method using a drill and flex shaft, but its so damn hard to tell if you are lined up on the screw or not. I don't want to damage the airbag. Also, for those that were lucky enough to get these removed, can replacement screws be purchased at a local hardware store or are they a GM only item?Btw, for those in the know, would I use a #2 extractor bit for a T30 size screw/bolt?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I have removed a lot of screws and bolts. One trick that works well is to select your driver. Then clamp vice grip plyiers on the shaft, use all your strength to make the grip solid. Now you can press down and use the plyiers to rotate the driver shaft. Most stripped screws are because you use don't have enough downward force to prevent the driver from slipping out of the screw recess. Good luck.
