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What size is the steering wheel nut?

Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2003 11:35 pm
by rayofleamington
I'm sure plenty of you can give me the answer! (imperial or a metric if it will fit)

My socket set goes bigger than an inch, but not quite big enough.
I always used to borrow a socket off my dad, but being 31 now and living far from the folks, it isn't so practical anymore.

Also does anyone know where I can buy one? (with a 1/4" drive)

Every car I've had has had chisel marks on the nut. I just can't bring myself to do that kind of thing now.

Steering wheel nut.

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 4:56 pm
by olonas
One and five sixteenths inches A/F. That's the size that fits my 1000 anyway. Don't know about 1/4" drive though, mine is 3/4" and I use a reducer to 1/2".

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 9:51 pm
by Cam
I have one of those sockets in 1/2" drive that I bought from a local Mini specialist. Unfortunately they are now out of business.

I would not recommend the use of a 1/4" drive on that size of nut as it will shear. I suspect that was a typo. :D

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 10:01 pm
by rayofleamington
Ah yes, I meant 1/2" drive!

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2003 10:25 pm
by Jerry
A 33mm socket fits. I actually bought a new steering wheel nut and tried it in sockets at Halfords until I found a fit.

Jerry

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 10:12 pm
by Chris Morley
Thanks to everyone for the info & ideas in this post - I was going to post the same question. Good idea from Jerry to try the range of Halfords sockets!

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 6:26 pm
by rayofleamington
Thanks, all of you.
I picked one up from Halfords today.

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2003 9:17 pm
by rob_dewing
Who cares what size it is? The easiest way to get it out is by driving it round with a centre punch. That way you don't have to disconnect the horn to prevent it going off either.

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2003 9:58 pm
by les
Why use a spanner when you can use a hammer eh Rob, hope that had nothing to do with you rolling your minor!
I agree lifting the bonnet to remove that horn wire has always been a sod of a job! lol.

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2003 11:45 pm
by Cam
rob_dewing wrote:Who cares what size it is? The easiest way to get it out is by driving it round with a centre punch. That way you don't have to disconnect the horn to prevent it going off either.
It's a hell of a lot easier using a socket. I have used both methods, although never a centre punch!?! Usually a chisel / screwdriver combo.

And who cares if you sound your horn for a few seconds while cracking the nut off!!! - keeps the neighbours on their toes!! :wink:

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2003 10:00 am
by rayofleamington
I've used both methods also.
Hammer and chisel is not the quickest way, and when you have to do it twice to re centre the column and fine tune the re-built indicator self cancelling mechanism I was greatful of the socket.
Disconecting the horn is easy, but also removing the circlip and sliding the parts out only takes 10 to 15 seconds and prevents any possible damage to the plastic tubular holder (I broke the previous one, using the hammer and chisel method)

And a triumph of joined up thinking by BMC, the socket fits many other things!.... like the plug in the master cylinder - so I could fit the new master cylinder and the modified remote reservoir plug at 10pm after a long day at work without having the car off the road yet 1 more day.