Steering wheel Torx screws

[Richard__]

Hey Ladies and Gents, hoping someone can help.

I'm swapping steering wheels and noticed the previous owner had stripped the two torx screws holding the airbag/horn on either side of the wheel. The screws are very inset so getting a tool around the head of the screw isn't really possible. Any ideas? PS sorry for the doubled pics, won't let me delete them.

 

[VR45UM]

Normally when I have a rounded torx head I would tap a larger sized torx bit into the bolt. This might be a bit risky in your position because of lack of space and the airbag is still attached

 

[Lasiorhinus]

I've had success with similar screws by sacrificing a small flathead screwdriver. Hammer the flathead so hard into the stripped screw that it lodges within, then you will be able to undo by twisting the screwdriver.

Of course, replace the stripped screws with new ones when you reinstall.

The airbag shouldn't go off with impacts to the airbag - but just to be sure, disconnect the battery, turn on the headlights and stand on the brake pedal before going near the thing

 

[Gt_Galant]

Hard to tell from picture but I had a similar thing. As soon as I put my torx bar it'll just spin like its rounded (whatever you call it) but I put it in again and tapped it a few times with a hammer and it had bite into it and gripped and came off that way.

Pretty sure a torx is a torx but looking at my torx key it says "TT-30"

 

[Richard__]

I was going to pick up a set of screw extractors but I may try this first. I was worried about tapping into the head with the airbag directly behind, as I've heard of airbags deploying even with the battery disconnected.
I'll update the thread when I find a solution, thanks for the help! And yes, the torx are size 30 for anyone wondering.

 

[Gt_Galant]

I actually was tapping on it with battery on haha, obviously wasn't tapping like im hitting a nail into wood. But worked and that was 5 days ago too. But the smart thing is to disconnect battery.

 

[Richard__]

I actually was tapping on it with battery on haha, obviously wasn't tapping like im hitting a nail into wood. But worked and that was 5 days ago too. But the smart thing is to disconnect battery.

You are brave sir haha

 

[Richard__]

Update: I had to drill them out using some neat reverse screw removers. Thanks for the help