T30 And T50 Bits To Remove Steering Wheel? Do They Fit?

[bluesmuso]

I have done a search and noticed that people were able to remove their steering wheel +airbag with the T30 and T50 bits, but when I tried the T30 it would not undo the bolts to remove the airbag and was not keen on trying too hard as I feared I would damage the "T30" bolts.

In the end a wreckers removed the wheel for me using their (Special Ford torque bits) and swapped the steering wheels over for me for $20 it took 5 mins max. The wreckers had a pretty clean stock BA XR6 Leather steering wheel and offered it to me for $100 change over with my GT-P wheel but I gave it a miss.

But when I need to swap wheels back again I'd rather do it myself, so do the T30 and T50 bits (which I have ) remove the airbag bolts without too much drama?

The reason I'm swapping wheels is because my GT-P leather wheel has had it (the leather shiny surface has worn off in most places) and it feels horrible. Some previous owner either cleaned it with a corosive solvent or drove it with some solvent on their hands.................good one.

The temporary replacement wheel is from a ba xt (aka Taxi with the usual wear at the top of the rim) and looks rather ordinary but only cost me $25 from the wreckers. Now I need to find out where to have my GT-P wheel repaired and how much, probably $300-$400 I'd guess.

Edited 21/03/09 11:50 PM by bluesmuso

[PHANTMXR6]

Got a picture of the screws that they reckon you need 'special Ford torque bits' for?

Sounds bogus to me.

If they are a torx bit headed bolt then you should be fine to remove them yourself.

[bluesmuso]

I think the airbag bolt is a special Ford manufacture which is slightly different to T-30, that's why I put "T-30" in inverted commas, whilst they look the same they are more than likely slightly different, but I've heard of someone undoing these bolts with a plain allen key as well as T-30 bits, it's my own experience which I'm posting about here. I tried the Allen Key but was too afraid to force it in case I damaged the bolt, but one would assume that the bolt is harder material than the Allen key or T-30 bit. I'll try and post a picture.

Edited 23/03/09 07:14 AM by Dagabond

[Chich]

your normal torx bits should fit and undo the bolts just fine, dont be afraid, they were probably just a little tight....

[bluesmuso]

Thanks onboost, I think my torx bits are pretty cheap and not the best quality so if I try a better bit it should fit in better. The one I have just slips out and does not grip.

[Chich]

yeah, one thing I have learned is not to skimp on tool quality... but if your only gonna use em once, just use what ya got the best you can

[bluesmuso]

I tried repco, they are a 6 sided T-30 bit and even another Ford spare parts dept said it's just a T-30 bit and a T-50 for the steering wheel hub.

Got a quote from Emtech to re-cover the steering wheel in two tone leather for $225 which sounds Ok to me, there are all sorts of colours available but I'd probably go for a more neutral two tone grey black.

[RHR]

I did a wheel change just yesterday and the t50 and t30 are the correct ones

[bluesmuso]

Thanks revheadrobbo, what wheel did you get?

[RHR]

No worries..

I bought the same one as you (fpv)

Just had a look at the pics. The wheels are leather right?? Had an idea about putting some black shoe polish on yours. Once it drys it should be ok. Vinyl paint might also be ok. What have you got to loose