How To Safely Remove An Airbag?

[Speed_Chaser]

Hello guys!

I am planning to install TTE steering wheel and would like to make the installation myself. The only problem is that I don't have any experience on working with airbags, so I'd really appreciate your help on how to safely disconnect an airbag from the previous wheel and install it to the new TTE wheel!

Best regards, Alex

[illegalhunter]

Sounds like a job for the stealers

[farhanali89]

Its quite simple, never removed one in an auris but in handling the airbag i can advise this much,

Unbolt steering wheels etc the airbag will be attached to the middle of the steering wheel. It wont be falling off. Normally the airbag sits behind where you press the horn so that part if im correct wil come out seperate to the rest of the steering wheel. Next part youll need to remove the harness plugs etc carefully and remember not to damage any wires, remove the negative Battery terminal incase. #

Generally handle with care and put to one side fitting the new steering shouldnt be a problem. Look on toyotas website for a toch dech. Look under support. Ideally TTE will give you instructions, Its not difficult but be careful. Not to worry to much tho i doubt your about to start ripping the airbag apart other then that take your time and just unplug the connecting wires. There all plug and play so no need to cut anything. Once removed, you might have security torx screws so make sure you have all the bits.

I can advise this because i have removed a steering wheel before on my old corolla.

[Djw John]

Not done it onthe Auris yet but changed more than a few in my time.

First things first, disconnect the Battery and then go make yourself a cuppa and come back at least 15 minutes later.

Generally the airbag is held on by at least 2 screws that are accessible from the back of the wheel, you often have to turn the wheel 90 degrees to see them. Undo all of these.

The airbag should then prise out of the steering wheel. Now you can disconnect the wiring, often you need to lever it with a small flatblade screwdriver.

Put the airbag somewhere safe where nothing will fall on and where it won't be kicked.

Now loosen the main bolt that secures the wheel to the column but DO NOT take it out completly yet. Instead loosen the wheel off its splines by hitting the rim with your hands. Once its lose remove the bolt fully and then you can remove the wheel.

[Speed_Chaser]

Okay thanks for your advices guys! So if I got it right there's nothing special, I should just handle the airbag with care and everything will be fine... Is it sure that the airbag will work after re-connection, or should it be tested at Toyota specialist somehow?

For some reason at the Cruise Control installation instruction which I found on another forum and posted also here there was a text which said not to disconnect the airbag wire when installing CC... Was there any good reason for that?

Now loosen the main bolt that secures the wheel to the column but DO NOT take it out completly yet. Instead loosen the wheel off its splines by hitting the rim with your hands. Once its lose remove the bolt fully and then you can remove the wheel.

I've read somewhere that I should also mark the steering wheel's position before removing so that I'd be able to install my new wheel the same way? How accurate do I have to be on that? Should I mark the position with some marker or how is it best to do?

Best regards, Alex

[Djw John]

Just ensure that your front wheels are straight and then refit the steering wheel at the straight ahead postion

[Aurissimo]

If I may be a bit of a "voice of caution". Could I suggest that you have this work done by professional authorised staff?

I am sure the guys have removed steering wheels and perhaps replaced airbags, without any detrimental effect, but the bottom line is that this is a key part of saving your live in the event of an accident, so the integrity of the whole system must never be compromised.

But I find it a bit negligent advising on handling airbag removal and also encouraging removal, by saying it is "easy". Toyota have a TTE and uses the original airbag, OK, but there should be some advice on ensuring the work is done in a controlled and assured manner, by skilled staff who know the issues with handling these units...

Airbags are designed to work on very very high speed voltage changes and also very tiny voltage changes. The connectors are made of highly sensitive and conductive materials, wiring damage and for example just getting a tiny amount of moisture or dirt into the connector will change resistance values of the connectors and affect the functionality. At best if you do not restore full integrity to the system,you might get a warning light down the line telling you of an airbag malfunction, (due to corrosion of terminals, poor conductivity or increased resistance from another cause), at worst you might not have airbag deployment when you need it.

Storage and handling of the Airbag Unit and Pyrotechnics unit, after removal, also requires carefull handling, even if you disconnect the Battery and fully discharge the unit ( which you need to do!!!) there is a risk that if you handle it incorrectly a static discharge into the unit can cause it to deploy...and it would not be nice if you are anywhere near it...

Re- Assembly and layout in relation to the airbag cover is also critical, to ensure if the airbag deploys, it deploys correctly. This error will go unnoticed until the day it is needed and the deployment causes the cover to fly off in an unplanned way, or stops it deploying correctly.

I am not sure what the TTE wheel looks like ( i assume the RIM is better? as the rest will remain unchanged, and I think generally the centre section defines the styling?), but if you think it is worth while , I would suggest it is worth while getting it done properly.

I cannot see this job taking more than an hour labour, and 60-70 quid worth of professional labour chanrge is worth it in my miond for complete piece of mind...

You might judge this as unlikely and me being a scaremongerer, but there is a risk to life ( during or afterwards) and no matter how small this risk may be, consideration should be given to these actions...

I have been working in Design Centres for major automakers for over 12 years, and i have seen airbag deployments and decommissioning of airbags from scrap vehicles and also the effect of after-market steering wheel replacements, tampering with units etc on warranty claims of "airbag malfunctions"

Just be carefull and consider the implications... Preaching over...

[Speed_Chaser]

Thanks for the warning man! I really appreciate your help and do understand what you mean Actually I do agree with you, the idea of some safety part failure during possible car crash really freaks me out. Safety is much more important than money!

I am definitely going to ask a pro installer to do the installation, I just haven't reached the guy who's usually helping me with my installs as he's on a vacation. When he'll get back I'll ask him for the price and then call to Toyota. If the price difference won't be huge, I will take it to Toyota. Actually I think I'll get my car to Toyota anyway, because otherwise I just couldn't be sure and feel safe.

Even when someone else tightens my wheels for me (at the tyre shop when I bought summer wheels, they installed them at that same time with no extra charge) I always feel that one of the wheels is falling off Then I just have to check and double check! :D

Best regards, Alex

[Speed_Chaser]

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