Theft proof screw on steering wheel airbag assembly
 

I was going to change the steering wheel airbag in my car and found that nissan has installed a theft proof screw on the drivers side airbag mount. The passenger side is the standard tamper proof torx. I can't find the tool anywhere. Anybody else have this issue? And if so, what did you do? Fvk nissan!

the procedure might be in the FSM, no?


What does a theft proof screw look like and how does it work? Just curious... have dealt with plenty of tamper proof screws...

I looked in the fsm, it just shows the torx screw. It looks similar to a tamper proof torx but has a different pattern. A torx doesn't even come close to fitting.

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...l-removal.html

I had to buy a T30 for my Z33, you guys have the same bolt

I would buy a set that has different sizes just to be certain. Was a PITA to remove my MAF recently and it had a similar bolt.

Pep Boys sells a set with different sizes

If you have a local Lowes/Ace/Home Depot they should have it. I got my set from Amazon since I wasn't in a rush for time and they were cheaper

The passenger side is a T30. The drivers side is a proprietary nissan theft proof screw.

It's a proprietary nissan theft proof screw, home improvement stores can't carry the tool.

Here's what it looks like.

https://www.getoemparts.com/oem-part...UaAqX4EALw_wcB

The description shows the removal tool as part of the kit for the screw. I'm not sure this will help...

I found the key kit, but it says it's available to Nissan dealers only.

Another link
https://carefordescientific.com/otc-...-bag-lock-set/

Ahh... no clue then. When I changed my wheel out I only had the tamper proof torx.

Yeah, I might have to take it to the dealer and pay them to remove it. :mad:

My 2017 was the same as yours

It's possible that Joby might have the tool, you could PM him...

Good thought, thanks. :tiphat:

Snap-On man is your friend.

I believe the tool can only be sold to an authorized nissan dealer.

I looked through the snap-on on-line catalog, I couldn't find it under the OTC number.

I don't know why nissan only did it on certain years.

In the past when I haven't had the appropriate screwdriver I have used a dremel+abrasive cutoff disk to grind a slot into the head of the screw and then remove with a flat head screwdriver.

That's one of my plans but the problem is you have to destroy the plastic trim piece that has the access holes for the airbags screws in order to get to the screws. It attaches to the steering wheel. I found the trim piece from a salvage yard on facebook for $35.00.

This is the bolt only kit. Does not include the key.

Everything I read. All of the kits are dealer only.

I might have found a company on ebay. I messaged them and ask if it included the tool because their kit was $22.00. They replied and ask for my VIN#. I'm hoping that means their verifying that it's not a stolen car and will sell me the tool.

A tamper-proof or vandal-proof torx bit has a hole in the middle of the bit. Easy to find. Harbor Freight has a cheap security bit set of 50 bits or something for like $10. Although the particular set I'm thinking of may not have a large enough bit for this job.

For the tamper-proof proprietary Nissan bolt, I have seen people drill out the star points on the inside of the bit and add a bite point to the rounded outside edges and then use a large tamper-proof torx bit to remove it. A small router bit on a Dremel does quick work from what I've seen on Youtube.

Don't go to Nissan for this!!!

Like James said, you can get this at Habor Freight , Home Depot, or even PepBoys where I got my set. :tup:

This bolt is a proprietary bolt from nissan, it is not a T-30 torx tamper proof bolt. You cannot get the tool from harbor freight, home depot or pep boys. I have a full set of tamper proof torx wrenches and none of them come close to fitting.

I tried drilling out the star section but it's hardened steel and couldn't be drilled. In order to be able to get a dremel on it I would need to destroy the trim piece attached to the steering wheel. I'm looking for that trim piece before I tear up my current one.

Take a picture of it if you can.

Do you have a link to the youtube video, I haven't been able to find anything.

Here's what it looks like I think. It's no Torx. Looks like a small wheel lock.

Can you epoxy a throw-away socket on it?

Nissan loctite's the **** out of the bolts, I get the feeling the epoxt wouldn't hold.

Something like a Multi-socket might work if the pins are small enough to fit in the groove.

I ordered a couple of carbide drill bits. I'm going to see if I can drill it and get it out with an ez out.

These should remove it, if it’s exposed & RH threads :ugh2:

:wtf2:

:iagree: those should do it. I just ordered a set. When I saw your post I remembered that I bought a set to remove a caliper bolt that I damaged on my eclipse. Unfortunately, I don't have one small enough though. I forgot about the bolt extractors. Thank you sir :woot:

I don't know folks … I've removed/replaced the airbags on two (2) different 2017's and had no problem. Don't recall using anything that wasn't in my Harbor Freight collection.

If that kit has a small enough bit to fit on the bolt. Use an impact driver with it. The type you use with a hammer. Put the bit on a small extension to impact driver. Using a hammer, Tap on the end of the driver, while twisting it with your hand. Should loosen up. I've done this with screws on motorcycle cases for years

https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-NO-250...71485441&psc=1

You all have some very creative ways to get around the theft-deterrent for the steering wheel assembly.

If my steering wheel assembly looks like it was tampered with and/or missing, everyone in this thread will be my prime suspects.