Help... airbag removal

[CupraUK]

arhhh.. losing my rag with it. I cannot seem to get even close to removing my airbag. It just doesn't feel like (as you can't see anything) the instructions:

The instructions are also very confusing, they say push the tab in the direction of the arrow, but in the diagram its suggesting to me that the screwdriver be pushed in that direction which would push the tab in the opposite direction! Also, from the diagram it suggests pushing the spring not the tab!

Anyone got any tips?

Here's the text:
Disconnect the battery earth strap
‒ Unlock the steering column
‒ Rotate the steering wheel -1- in such a way that the spoke is vertical. Remove the entire steering column and push it so that it is in the upper position
‒ Secure the steering column
‒ Insert an angled screwdriver of about 175 mm length through the small opening of the rear part of steering wheel (insert it some 45 mm)
‒ Holding tool T10027 may also be used
Push the tab in the direction of the -arrow-. Upon doing so, clip -10- is pushed backwards, which causes the hook spring -3- on the airbag unit to unlock
‒ Turn the steering wheel 180° in the opposite direction and unlock the other hook on the opposite side
‒ Place the steering wheel -1-in its central position (wheels straight)
‒ Disconnect the connector from the airbag unit

 

[RobDon]

It's easier to push the one leg of the spring down (towards the centre of the wheel) until the bag pops forward, repeat on the other side. Will take a few goes but does work, the springs are very strong.

 

[CupraUK]

Ah cheers, I did not know how hard to push but if you say they are strong I'll be a bit more forceful with it.

Thanks

 

[CupraUK]

Any ideas what this means?

‒ Unlock the steering column
‒ Rotate the steering wheel -1- in such a way that the spoke is vertical.Remove the entire steering column and push it so that it is in the upper position

What do they mean by "remove the entire streering column"?

 

[CupraUK]

Don't answer. Got it off in the end.

Still no idea why my horn is not working though

 

[gtd86]

for future reference, aparently it is quite a bit easier if you push the airbag in (like if you were pressing the horn), while trying to release the spring.

 

[CupraUK]

Thanks for that. If I have to get it off again to fix the horn then I'll try that.

 

[Rookwise]

for future reference, aparently it is quite a bit easier if you push the airbag in (like if you were pressing the horn), while trying to release the spring.

That doesn't make any difference at all mate as the airbag unit is fixed in position and the black plastic cover is on a seperate spring loaded mount either side of the airbag but comes off all as one unit.

Basically turn the wheel 90 degrees so that one of the holes are showing over the top cowel. Place a flatblade screwdriver into the hole and push down towards the centre of the steering wheel. The airbag unit will pop off.


Oh and theres no need to disconnect the earth lead from the battery. As long as the ignition is off (no lights illuminated on the dash) theres no power going to the airbag unit.
You can leave you keys in the ignition so that the steering lock doesnt come on when you turn the steering wheel and can also listen to the stereo while your taking the airbag off.


Total time for complete removal of airbag and steering wheel is less than 10 minutes.

30 minutes to strip the airbag, steering wheel, wiper/indicator stalks/adjustable steering handle, undo the fuse box, remove lower dash and replace the steering column shroud

 

[gtd86]

i find that it helps, but i def wud disconnect the battery, risk of a high explosive in your face, and a £435 bill...no thank you, i took the airbag off my golf when i changed the steering wheel, but i forgot to disconnect the battery before i unplugged the airbag, and next time i started the car it set the airbag warning light on, had to take it to get it reset by garage...

 

[Rookwise]

Its actually recommended that you disconnect the earth on the battery then do not touch the car for 24 hours so that the airbag system discharges fully.

If after you have reconnected the airbag the warning light comes on then you have either not connected it up properly or still had power running through the ignition which also provides power to the airbag system.

As long as the ignition is off completly there's no power going through the airbag. Leave the ignition off completly until everything is refitted securly and you will have no problems whatsoever.


Oh and if the airbag light does come on. Either turn it off via VAG-COM or pay your local dealer £10 for them to do it (On top of the £20 charge dealers have for giving you your stereo code if you dont have it and need it because you disconnected the battery).

 

[laurie5187]

so did u ever find out what the problem with your horn was?? because i have the same??