190E Steering Wheel Allen is stripped
 

Big problem here. I researched this site before I tried to remove the steering wheel. Got airbag off easily, did not torque against the steering lock, but managed to completely strip the allen head bolt holding the steering wheel on. It was so tight - the air tool just tore up the allen bolt. Car is back together and I"m driving it.

Any thoughts on how to remove the bolt? Do I live without turn signals? Thanks in advance for your ideas.

On some stripped allens, I've had good luck tapping in a slightly oversized Torx bit. Not sure what sixe you'd need for the steering wheel bolt, probably a T50 or larger.
I'd try tapping on the bolt itself a bit with an air hammer and a small tapered bit, or with a smaller flat-faced bit.
If you weren't using air tools before, you'll need to to do this.

Gilly

Sometimes you can grind a slot in them with a dremel (or somesuch), and use a big screwdriver.

They also make special extractors similar in concept to the Torx, or ones that bite on the outside diameter (if there is clearance).


http://store6.yimg.com/I/bradystools_1762_27344551

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...l/53225_tn.jpg

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/media/KD-3537.jpg
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...oltgrip_sm.jpg

If it's as stripped as you say, you'll need to drill a hole and then use a bolt extractor. The good news is that it is a large diameter bolt so you can use a large extractor - necessary because you'd break a small one. You will need a replacement bolt anyway, so order it and you'll be able to tell how large a drill/extractor to use. use a slow drill speed, a cobalt bit and (important) some lube on the cutting surface of the drill. You may also loosen the bond of the loctite by heating the bolt, not sure if there are any heat sensitive components touching the shaft - maybe some tech reading this will let us know.

I just replaced the combi switch and I could not believe the amount of torque I had to use to break that bolt loose! It is glued in with blue loctite so the spec is 200 foot-pounds for that size bolt (estimating a 1/2") but it felt like 500! (I have high torque experience from working on Alfas where 150 seems to be the average torque spec). I had to use a 3' pipe on a 1/2" ratchet and stand outside the car facing the rear. I was sore the next day.

If there is any hex left a "Sock-It-Out" tool may work but I doubt it. tool link

Good luck,
Tom