How did it happen? Did you torque them too much on the reinstall? If they are loose you could try a bolt magnet. If they are snapped off at the stem I'm not sure what you could do. That sucks man. I did mine like two days ago and didn't have an issue at all. I lightly tightened them, but left the cover flap open so I could adjust the if required. Best of luck.

 

It happened when reinstalling them… they snapped. Ive seen ways of drilling bolts out but after this I'm scared to even look at them. Theres about a 1/8 inch sticking out, Im sure theres a way to get them out i just don't know it. But thanks for the reply I appreciate it this forum is amazing.

 

either get locking pliers or channel lock pliers and work it back out (grabbing the 1/8th inch piece).

 

Did you start them by hand to ensure they didn't cross thread? If they are cross threaded it may be a bear to get them out as the aluminum they are threaded into may have galled onto the steel bolt. Hopefully you can get some locking pliers on them and
get them out. *fingers crossed for ya*

 

Thanks I'll pick up some locking pliers tomorrow. I did it all by hand... It didn't even seem that hard. If the pliers don't get it out it or breaks what's left out can they be drilled? I really don't want to replace the entire thing... Bought the car a week ago and the dealer closed early so I couldn't even get the sales code to get the switches working... Total fail!

 

The bolts are steel, what they thread into is aluminum. I doubt they can be successfully drilled out. Worst case scenario you will need to buy a new steering wheel rim.

 

Before you remove too much end, take it to a machine shop. They can weld an extension or something on the bolts to safely remove them.

 

.......^^^^^^^

...........This

The bolts were cross threaded when screwed back in. Once the bolts are removed, new threads (likely for a larger bolt) will have to be cut. I don't know if a Time-Sert or Helicoil can be used in this application.

Anytime bolts are started in aluminum, thread them in with fingers until they are in at least three complete revolutions. This will help prevent cross threading.

 

Got them out!!! Any ideas on where to get replacement bolts?.... Going to try Home Depot later this evening

 

Get them from the dealership not the hardware store.....

 

Not sure the dealer would even have just the bolts, but a fastner shop should be able to help you too. Home depot may have the right size, but its questionable, they carry little metric. They don't have to be super strong, they went into aluminum after all.

 

There are drill bits that are reverse threaded so they bite while you rotate counter clockwise and will grip and back out the bolt.

 

Not sure if you have ACE hardware stores near you, but they always have what I need as far as bolts, fasteners and clips. Take the bolt with you. Most times there are markings on the heads that indicate strength, etc. Let the ACE guy help you find what you need.