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> Steering Column Bolts, How to loosen ?
jim_hoyland
post Dec 26 2024, 04:52 PM
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There are 4 Allen Head bolts holding the steering column to the frame above.
I need to loosen those bolts to lower steering column an inch; reason is the tach in my Getty dash won’t clear the steering column shroud.
So, I’m attempting to lower the column to get room so the tach can be pulled out.
But, the Allen head bolts are really tight; no arm strength was going to budge them. And,
I don’t want to ruin the Allen bolt heads
What is the solution to loosening those bolts ?
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JeffBowlsby
post Dec 26 2024, 04:54 PM
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A bigger lever arm on that Allen wrench. Maybe some penetrant if needed.
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SirAndy
post Dec 26 2024, 05:08 PM
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You don't need to lower the steering column.

You can simply remove the screws holding the face-plate to the Getty dash. I think there are 8? 6 on the face and 2 on the bottom? Don't remember exactly.
Once those are out, you can angle the face-plate and remove any of the gauges.

It helps to remove the steering wheel though to give you more room.
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windforfun
post Dec 26 2024, 05:14 PM
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It's time for a pipe. And not the kind you smoke. A junk of 1/2" ID ogalvanized pipe can come in handy. Make sure the Allen wrench is properly seated. CTTOI, I have really short Allen wrenches that use a socket head. Tons of torque.

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technicalninja
post Dec 26 2024, 05:18 PM
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SirAndy has the correct answer!

But, should you need to remove them later...

I almost never use L-shaped Allens anymore.

I run Allen sockets like this:

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-m...ASABEgKG7PD_BwE

That "Icon" stuff is OK. Lots of other options available.

Long ratchet, hand impact, electric impact, air impact, 3/8-1/2 adaptor and up.
You can quickly get to the point of snapping the fastener or the tool...
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sixnotfour
post Dec 26 2024, 06:13 PM
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Hope you get a solution.. saw your message late last night...
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jim_hoyland
post Dec 26 2024, 06:58 PM
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thanks; that gives some new ideas,
I have the sockets and an electric impact wrench. Will try that first; can always remove the steering wheel ( which I’ve done several times, but want a quicker way to make room)
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Root_Werks
post Dec 26 2024, 07:04 PM
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Careful with the impact tool. Maybe try the rachet first. It's a lot more leverage than an "L" wrench and might do the trick.
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jim_hoyland
post Dec 26 2024, 07:27 PM
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QUOTE(Root_Werks @ Dec 26 2024, 05:04 PM) *

Careful with the impact tool. Maybe try the rachet first. It's a lot more leverage than an "L" wrench and might do the trick.


The ratchet wouldn’t budge the bolt; it almost felt like i might round-out the allen head…
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Root_Werks
post Dec 27 2024, 12:48 PM
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Yikes, those are really in there. Welp, impact it is I guess. Maybe the hammering will knock them free?

Doubt they are torqued to 200+ftlbs. Certain you already tried "tighten" them slightly just to break them free.

Penetrating oil and time are your friends as well as heat. Although not sure you could safely heat up the bolt given it's location.

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technicalninja
post Dec 27 2024, 01:05 PM
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If I can get to the threaded section, I'll hose it down with the best penetrate I've found for ferrous, PIMP JUICE!

1/2 ATF (old school Dex III) and 1/2 acetone. Works so much better than anything you can buy.

On dissimilar metal (steel to aluminum) or any alloy I use wintergreen oil (health food store type) and it's slower than the PJ but it works great too.
An added benefit, your shop smells like Christmas!

This stuff MELTS caterpillars like nothing else in this world!
One TINY drop and it's over...
Best stuff for an "asp" infected bush!
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rfinegan
post Dec 27 2024, 02:37 PM
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A hand impact/ hammer with Allen socket and the shorter extension possible would be my next try...
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jim_hoyland
post Dec 27 2024, 05:49 PM
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QUOTE(rfinegan @ Dec 27 2024, 12:37 PM) *

A hand impact/ hammer with Allen socket and the shorter extension possible would be my next try...

Thanks: i was just considering that; I have the tool. My local Porsche shop said those bolts are purposely torqued tight….
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jim_hoyland
post Mar 7 2025, 05:13 PM
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Update: Had to use a cheater them to loosen. Six complete turns gives enough room to access my tach. Never size a must !
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sixnotfour
post Mar 7 2025, 08:59 PM
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