I searched and really didn't find good info on this. Im needing some knowledge on air bag in the steering wheel? My 47 didn't come with a frame, So i bought a 1999 S10 pick up and started the process of removing the body. Tomorrow I will be removing the steering column and thought about the air bag. I know some of you have an S10 frame and did you remove the air bag, or leave it in the steering wheel? Im wanting to use the column. I have never dealt with this newer stuff before. How would you deal with this? I just want to build my panel and live to enjoy it. Thanks in advance for any help!!!!!!!
I would say replace the steering wheel, Your not trying to rig up the air bag to work are you? I hope not that could go bad so many ways. just get an adapter and get a different wheel, maybe even try to adapt a older wheel that will fit your car better?
Here's where your preferences may make a difference. If you can make the air bag function...I'd use it. Many here have come up with elegant traditional looking steering wheels however.
I think if the battery is not connected you should be safe, also most body shops will give you a bunch of $$ for a good airbag wheel!
Thanks guy's but I dont want to make the airbag work, For now I just was wondering will this thing go off some how without any power to it or if I did the wrong thing removing the steering wheel?? I will find a more suitable steering wheel.
We just posted at the same time. Thats good to know about the body shops. I guess what spooked me was a firefighter had one go off on him while trying to pull someone from a vehicle on the news a while back useing the jaws of life. Those bags are perty powerfull.
I did? I believe the car in the accident possibly may or may not had juice still in the battery I dont know, but if anyone has knowledge of if there is no power can it still go off by removing the steering wheel??
Make sure the battery is disconnected and let it drain, some of them I believe do hold residual power for a little while. Don't let your wife tap on the sensors up front while you're pulling off the wheel and don't hold a screw driver aimed at your face/throat between you and the wheel and you should be fine. Theifs were pulling airbags out of powered cars in less than 90 seconds, just do it the right way and you won't have anything to worry about. And Faded is right, repair shops pay good money for good bags.
Thanks pitman, I will search that and try and find whats available. Thanks guys for your help. I guess the stupidest question is the one not asked. I have disconnected the battery. I will check this thread later to see if I might be in harms way. Thank you guys for the help.
they wont go 'off' as long as the battery has been disconnected for a few minutes . it stores power for a just few minutes. if you just keep the battery disconnected for at least five minutes, you should be fine. google it. not sure if every year is the same. i took a wheel off a 2005 s10 just to sell it and i was ok.
Residual power should drain of by tomorrow? I will also have the wife,dog and anything else that can move be away while I attempt this! Thanks man!!!!!
Good deal!!!! I should be ok then. I did google but no really good info came up on this. and HAMB technical didnt have any info either, But you guys seem to always help this old dude out..........Thanks again guys!!!!
I always stay out of the potential line of fire when removing them. I also always have my left hand on a good ground while doing so. Don't ask me why. Just the way I was taught. Once bag is free from wheel, you can unplug it.
Tman, there is one on the passenger side that I wasn't going to mess with .....but that would probly be the one that blew my arm off!!!
Static electricity......good idea! Thanks for that input. I have no clue how sensitive these things really are! But I came to the right spot to ask!!! I Really thank you guy's!!
unhook bat take 4 8mm head bolts out of side of steering wheel pull bag out unplug it take out side run 50 feet speaker wire hook bag to one end grab video cam (got to tape it ) touch other end wires to bat boom laugh you ass off and want another bag to blow up
Set the removed air bag on the ground and place an old couch on top of it. Have a Frienemy take a seat and set that bad boy off....oh, and video tape it!
I worked as a model builder for 13 years in a safety test lab, for one of the big three. If there is no power, you should be ok. That being said, it is possible for static electricity to set them off, very rare but it has been known to happen. If you drill, cut, smash, heat, or in any way compromise the inflator body, it more than likely will go off. (the inflator is what gos boom) NEVER weld around an inflator, that's just stupid, and yes I have seen it done. Hope this helps.
air bag columns are uglier than the ones before them ,how bout a 70s chevy van or 60s and 70s chevy pu without the key on it or for that matter 68 to 72 impala might be the best length.
Why not remove the bags and steering wheel and put them on CL or Egay and raise some money to put into your project,and help someone out who is repairing an S-10.I have bought several sets of air bags on E-gay,and saved lots of money over other sources.
I didnt even get to work on it today, I woke up sick...like the flu. But I did go to the garage later and I am not going to use that column, I seen it will not look right in my panel ( big square at knee plate) turned around and came in the house and got meds to fight this crap. I like the selling idea to help fund project! how much does these thing go for? anyway thanks guys!!!!
Thank's guy's all went well, I still have everything the good lord gave me! No surprises! Thank's again for you help!!!!!!!!!!
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