How can I remove and re-install the steering wheel airbag on a mercedes C180 (1994)?

Question

I need to replace the stalk on the steering column that does the wiper, indicators and beam. To get to it, I need to remove the airbag on the steering wheel. Can anyone tell me how to do this safely? eg. is it attached by clips so that I could just pull it off?

yes, it is definately an airbag or SRS (Safety Restraint System) as mercedes calls it.

Answer 1

What you need to do is:

1. Go on an approved motor trade course on the safe handling of "pyrotechnic devices"
2. Buy a safety cage or metal cupboard to store the airbag in while it is off the vehicle.
3. Switch the ignition off, and leave for at least 30 minutes
4. Undo the screws on the back of the steering wheel.
5. Carefully remove the airbag, from the wheel, ensuring you keep yourself at a safe distance, to access the wiring between the airbag and the "rotary connector" inside the wheel. Unclip the airbag wiring from the connector.
6. You can now remove the airbag from the vehicle - always hold it at a safe distance,with the front face towards you, so if it does inflate you get hit by the bag and not its metal frame. Place it in the cage or cupboard, and close the door.
7. You can now remove the rotary connector, and the steering wheel.

Do NOT attempt steps 3-7 without doing steps 1 and 2 first.

Answer 2

If you are serious about doing this, you must first remove any fuse that powers any and all air bag components. Next you must disconnect the yellow connector at the base of the steering column. All air bag system components use yellow connectors. NEVER NEVER NEVER tap into an air bag system wire. There should never be a need to do so. Once the fuses are pulled and the connector disconnected at the base of the steering column, it is safe to remove the air bag. You must remove the air bag before removing the steering wheel. There will most likely be two or three screws that hold the air bag module to the steering wheel. These come in from behind the air bag. Usually torx bit screws. When you lift up on the air bag module, there will be another yellow connector underneath it. This disconnects the air bag from the wiring in the column and the sir coil. always store the air bag facing upwards. In the rare occurance of the bag self deploying, if the bag was facing downwards, when it goes off it will shoot up in the air. If the bag is facing upwards, the bag will remain on the ground and the bag will deploy harmlessly. Now you can do whatever you want with the steering wheel. You need a puller to remove it.

Answer 3

Air bags when removed are dangerous Don't even try to remove the airbag it can deploy even if it has been removed from the vehicle it needs to be removed and refitted by a trained mechanic/fitter. the bolts that hold the air bag in position have to be torqued to the manufacturers specification when refitted this is critical I am a motor engineer and have seen airbags deployed in test situations you could sustain serious injury's !

Answer 4

Be very carefull, if the airbag inflates its gonna hurt, and be expensive. it may be a system that trigger's at the instant of impact and with the loss of power ie if you disconected the wiring harness,
take it to mercedes could cost a lot less in the long run

Answer 5

This is only heresay but someone told me he'd removed an airbag and it was connected by 3 wires only. Seemed to think it was an easy task. Try this link and note the 'wait 30 mins' comments.
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/airbag.html
Steve.

Answer 6

I did one on a Ford before.DISCONNECT THE BATTERY
The ford one was screwed on from the back of the steering wheel with TORX(star)screws.It comes out as one unit. Try to work to the side of it incase it does go off although there is no reson why it should. Also be carefull where you leave it (kids pets)good luck

Answer 7

I didnt know a car that old had airbags!

Answer 8

i wouldnt even try. it will hurt