suggestion on stripped Torx, p80 driver airbag

Post by **Grantkat** » 07 Feb 2025, 11:59

I am replacing the steering wheel on my 1999 S70. One of the torx bolts holding the airbag is stripped from the PO. Since I am coming into it from behind the wheel, I cant really drill. Any suggestions on a good way to get this out?

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Feb 2025, 12:05

The head is stripped, or the threads on the bolt?

Any way to get ahold of the head from the side with a vice-grip?

Post by **Grantkat** » 07 Feb 2025, 12:08

the head is stripped. there is no way to get sideways. the bolt is down in a hole and requires an extended bit to reach it. the bolt body is fine...just the torx part is stripped

Post by **Grantkat** » 07 Feb 2025, 12:11

Since im replacing the steering wheel. I could cut away the plastic shell and try to cut off the bolt head then reomve the bolt body from the airbag assembly.

hoping there is a better method to avoid that

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Feb 2025, 12:13

Arggh. I have a 90 degree drill fitting that fits in the chuck, with the bit at right angles to the drill.

Similar to this....

: right angle drill.jpeg (17.24 KiB) Viewed 1753 times

Post by **Sveedy** » 07 Feb 2025, 14:14

Yeah i have one of those that is probably good for one more removal.
I happen to have a wheel off, so here are a couple of pics. The screw does have a beefy head, but a shallow inset. It's recessed about 1".
You could try a bolt/screw extractor with a stubby head. Otherwise it might be grinder time.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Feb 2025, 03:33

You might have to go through the air bag for that, Grant

The good news is I have a couple of 99 air bags in stock free to any kat lover

Post by **Sveedy** » 08 Feb 2025, 07:41

I think you could cut a notch on the side of the steering wheel and gain enough access to grab the head of the screw.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 08 Feb 2025, 08:43

An easy out type tool hammered in to the screw head MIGHT back out that screw. I would try the helical type and grind the end to a close size match before hammering.
volvolugnut

Post by **Grantkat** » 09 Feb 2025, 11:24

Abscate - I sent you a DM

Sveedy - we had the same thought - the other day I removed the material from the side of the steering wheel to find that there is a cylindrical steel shaft the screw goes into so zero access from the side.

volvolugnut - i am considering that. I do have a right angle drill attachment - i may use a drill bit slightly smalled than the inside diameter of the shaft and drill the head off the bolt - then I can try to remove the threads on the bench

thanks for the ideas