How to remove a steering wheel?

[StefanAnghel]

Ok guys...a hard one for me...
I found in a break yard near me a M-tech steering wheel but it's locked and the keys are missing
How can I take it off???
Thanks

[wiledw]

If Tec1 wheel prize out centre bmw badge with screw driver or similar and undo bolt.

If Tec2 wheel pull off horn by hand push and undo bolt.

The streering being lock will help as the bolts can a little stiff to undo.

[DHFiS]

I used a piece of scrap wood go from the floor up to one of the wheel's spokes (use a piece of cloth to protect it). this stops the wheel turning as you undo the centre nut and avoids putting any strain on the car's steering wheel lock.

[hennabm]

The problem is not the undoing of the nut but if the keys are out and the steering lock on - how do you get the wheel off the column. I don't know myself but I'm just trying to clarify the issue.

[Cloud]

The steering lock doesn't hold the wheel itself, it just stops the bar from turning. It really is as easy as described above, just unbolt the wheel from the locked bar, and it can be lifted off, regardless of whether the steering lock has stopped the bar from turning.

[zaust]

Fella, you will have to use some force on ts one, unless you can pop the lock out(mallet and chisel) and then the pin will drop.

[Brianmoooore]

The steering lock doesn't hold the wheel itself, it just stops the bar from turning. It really is as easy as described above, just unbolt the wheel from the locked bar, and it can be lifted off, regardless of whether the steering lock has stopped the bar from turning.

The steering lock engages with any standard E30 steering wheel, and prevents it being removed!
I get over this problem, when it arises in scrapyards, by ripping off the top column cover, and attacking the alloy of the lock housing where the pivot pin is.

[Cloud]

The steering lock engages with any standard E30 steering wheel, and prevents it being removed!
I get over this problem, when it arises in scrapyards, by ripping off the top column cover, and attacking the alloy of the lock housing where the pivot pin is.

I've learned something! Thanks.

[daimlerman]

Just to enlarge on Brain's post.When the key is removed,a spring loaded pin engages with the toothed register on the reverse side of the steering wheel.Until this pin is moved down,either by turning the key or as Brian described,the wheel is staying on the column!! Would removing the lock by extracting the shear bolts work?

[E30BeemerLad]

It is also worth only loosening the main nut holding the wheel in place so that it is still attached to the thread of the steering column so that when you give an enormous tug on the wheel to get it off, you don't then smack yourself in the snout with the wheel

[maxfield]

It is also worth only loosening the main nut holding the wheel in place so that it is still attached to the thread of the steering column so that when you give an enormous tug on the wheel to get it off, you don't then smack yourself in the snout with the wheel

Learned by your own mistake?

[Ziggy]

I get over this problem, when it arises in scrapyards, by ripping off the top column cover, and attacking the alloy of the lock housing where the pivot pin is.

Yup, nice big hammer & chisel

[leeparkes]

use a set of long stilsons or adjustable spanner over the ignition barrel and break it off
you wont get the wheel off with the steering lock on (as ive found out)

[E30BeemerLad]

It is also worth only loosening the main nut holding the wheel in place so that it is still attached to the thread of the steering column so that when you give an enormous tug on the wheel to get it off, you don't then smack yourself in the snout with the wheel

Learned by your own mistake?

No, but I was close enough to doing this once and have heard about people breaking noses etc. Live & learn