Alcantara Steering Wheel Central Bolt Reuse

[ASRman]

Hi,

Planning on installing a new alcantara wheel to my F80 this weekend. Read through the DIY thread and the install seems straightforward enough. What I didn't see was anyone replacing the central bolt to the steering column. Is it safe to reuse and torque this bolt down or is it advised to change this bolt each time?

Tia

[allinon72]

It's one of those things...yes the instructions say to replace the bolt, but 99% reuse the bolt without issue. I would bet even most dealerships. It's one part german engineering, one part liability protection.

[MrSmartyPants]

I reused mine. Not a high torque fastener.

[ASRman]

I couldn't actually find anywhere in the instructions where it says to replace the bolt. If it's not a designated one time use only bolt then no point in replacing I guess?

[cionide]

Originally Posted by ASRman

I couldn't actually find anywhere in the instructions where it says to replace the bolt. If it's not a designated one time use only bolt then no point in replacing I guess?

It won't say in the DIY you find on a forum. It will probably say to replace the bolt when changing steering wheel in the bmw service manuals the dealers use. It's probably fine, but like was mentioned before - liability reasons + it's cheap to replace it. They also recommend replacing the bolts for the seats if you unbolt them.

I reused the bolt on mine, 9000km and it hasn't fallen off yet *knocks on wood*

[ASRman]

Thanks guys. I wimped out in the end. For the sake of a couple bucks I went ahead and changed with a new bolt. Surprisingly the bolt torque is quite high 48 ft lbs