E30 Zone

What tool do I need to take off the steering wheel?

22mm socket

did mine the other week
im sure it was a 22mm deep socket

Make sure you torque it when refitting wheel. (I think its 82 Nm I'll have to double check the workshop manual). They say to replace the lock nut. I reused mine with thread locking compound.

And does anyone know where I can get the ratchet with a full set of sockets?

put a mark on the wheel and the spline so you can put it back in the right position,as you need to release the steering lock
you can get the tools in halfords(lifetime guarantee)

patch wrote:put a mark on the wheel and the spline so you can put it back in the right position,as you need to release the steering lock
you can get the tools in halfords(lifetime guarantee)

Like this one? (I'm a noob)

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-9606.aspx

I doubt very much if a 1/4" drive set goes up to 22mm.

I just need a Socket set which can cater for everything on the E30.

Brianmoooore wrote:I doubt very much if a 1/4" drive set goes up to 22mm.

Not much chance of a 3/8" set going that high either

Best with a 1/2" set TBH

Blitz wrote:I just need a Socket set which can cater for everything on the E30.

Ideally a set with both 1/4" and 3/8" in one and a 1/2" set would suffice

You'll definitely want 1/2" for some things, & I doubt there are many socket sets out there that include everything - hub nuts, crank nut etc.

The halfords professional sets are good though, & they do some pretty comprehensive ones! Rather more expensive than that Tesco set though.

How about if I go for these now, and would any ratchet fit?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/9-PCE-HEAVY-DUTY- ... 286.c0.m14

this will do you nicely for a 1/2" drive set 8mm-32mm sockets

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -tool-sets

1/2" deep socket set
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -tool-sets

1/4" drive set with ratchet
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -tool-sets

by the way, a useful tip when removing the wheel. take the nut off, but then thread it back on a couple of turns so it sits at the end of the thread on the column, then when you give it a big hoik on the wheel to pull it off the spline, you won't smash yourself in the face with the steering wheel when it suddenly comes free.

if you dont have many tools something like this will be a good start

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store ... c+Tool+Set

im sure there will be a 22mm in there

they wont be the best quality but will do the job

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -tool-sets

Seconded, just bought one of these sets and its pretty good for the price.

Not the tightest ratchet in the world but does the job quite neatly and comfortably.

Or Halfords professional. I've found that a lot of the "full" sets include stuff you never use. I would go to Halfords and buy a strip of 1/2 inch drive professional sockets, a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and short and long extentions. Then do the same with their 1/4 inch drive set. They are gaurantteed for life as well.

Thanks

E30BeemerLad wrote:by the way, a useful tip when removing the wheel. take the nut off, but then thread it back on a couple of turns so it sits at the end of the thread on the column, then when you give it a big hoik on the wheel to pull it off the spline, you won't smash yourself in the face with the steering wheel when it suddenly comes free.

shame you can't do the same with the gearknob that one hurts