Airbag Steering Wheel: Removal and Installation

Hello,

To install the GRA (presumably a specific electronic system), I had to remove the steering wheel on my Bora TDI (ASV?).
After removing the airbag from the steering wheel (with a mixture of fear and respect), I unscrewed the steering wheel and was surprised to find that there were no more sliding contacts.

Later, I found out that instead of a solid piece, there's a coiled cable inside the plastic thing behind the steering wheel, which winds up and down as part of the possible steering movements. Therefore, you shouldn't twist that plastic thing either. I did, however. I don't know if it was put back in its original position, or if it's now twisted one or two turns in the wrong direction.

Is there a way to determine the correct installation orientation? What is the purpose of the sight glass in that plastic part? And where is the steering angle sensor actually located?

Best regards,
CH

I absolutely don't understand why you're messing with the airbag when you clearly have no idea what you're doing! I completely fail to comprehend that!

You almost killed your lifesaver, and who knows what consequences that cable might have.




Even in 'do-it-yourself' books, it's stated that this type of work should be left to a professional workshop.

If I were you, I would do exactly that. Take your car to a VW workshop and have them check it again (including removing and reinstalling the part), even if it costs money. They are trained for this kind of thing.


Best regards,
Ingo
*who would never tamper with his life-saving device.*

Take your car to a VW workshop and have them check it again (remove and reinstall), even if it costs money. They are trained for this kind of thing.



Based on my experience, I would rather let my blind grandmother work on my car than a VAG mechanic. If anyone knows of a reasonably competent VAG workshop in the postal code area 45, please send me a message.
Regards,
Thomas.

Hi,

How can you even dare to touch the 'sacred cow' ?
Okay, joking aside:
The center position should be easy to find. Just count the rotations once to the left, once to the right, and then set the connection in the middle.
Please turn it carefully all the way until it stops, as the coiled spring is said to be quite expensive (around 160 euros, I once read).


Best regards, Andy.

So, I absolutely don't understand why you're messing with the airbag when you have no idea what you're doing!!! I completely lack the understanding of why you would do that!!

Finally, you almost killed your lifesaver, who knows what consequences that cable might have had.


'It's not that bad, really. What if the engine stalls during the overtaking maneuver? Then you're just as stuck. There's always a risk involved. The people in the workshop are just human beings, and therefore not perfect.'
You should always be aware of what you're screwing.

There have already been extensive discussions about airbag steering wheels in this forum.

For example, if the engine dies during the overtaking maneuver. Then you have just as little chance .

That may be true, but it's also a poor comparison.


The people in the workshop are also just humans, and therefore not perfect.


I hope that people are, but they have the appropriate training that the person who started this thread apparently doesn't have, otherwise this question wouldn't have come up, right?




One should always be aware of what one is screwing...



I agree! Even though I have a 'Wix book' (presumably a repair manual), I don't touch the airbag; I leave that to the workshop. Exactly for the reasons you mentioned.


Well, everyone has to figure out for themselves what they should and shouldn't do.

There are two main books available for the Golf/Bora (there are probably more), but these are the most common:
Now I'm helping myself.
and
Here's how it's done.

In the first case, everywhere it gets interesting, there's a warning: "Danger lurks here; they absolutely must not do this." And for hobbyists: "This is not for amateurs; they need to go to a workshop."

The other book simply explains how to do it correctly.


I wouldn't let that discourage you. Of course, everyone should know their limits, but my experiences with workshops have been very negative. Mostly, it's not because the people there are stupid, but because they work under pressure and don't even have a moment to relax and double-check everything.

In other models, however, the books are not so different from each other.

Here are some examples from my experience with workshops:

- Fuel tank installed: The vent hose was pinched between the body and the axle mounting point (the fitting was tightened to 200 Nm, so that no air could escape through the hose).
- After timing belt replacement: The intercooler charge air pipe was not connected, the transmission plug (for the TDC mark) was missing, but a different screw was still on the transmission, while a valve cap was missing... etc.

Well, I've certainly had my share of bad luck, but I don't like these fairy tales about the perfect workshop. And there are many things you can really do yourself.

I've also had bad experiences with workshops/repair shops.

The airbag is a dangerous component due to its explosive charge. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of this, I believe that the fearmongering surrounding it is inappropriate.

It seems like removing the airbag is a real secret. If the manuals say to go to a workshop, that's not helpful when I need it on a Saturday afternoon. And what exactly are workshops doing that's so secretive? They probably just clip out the two springs and unplug the connector. And I'm supposed to take it to a workshop for that?

But let's get back to the topic:
@Andi
The center position should be easy to find. Just count the rotations once to the left, once to the right, and then set the connection in the middle.

Is that really the case?

@Holger247
What does the 'How-to' guide say about that plastic thing?

@everyone
What is the purpose of this viewing glass?
And where is the steering angle sensor?

If you have ESP, the plastic part (return plate) contains not only the torsion spring, but also the steering angle sensor. Otherwise, you don't need it. Don't confuse it with the steering rate sensor, which is installed directly in the steering gear for electro-hydraulic power steering systems...
Loosely wrapped.
OlBe.

For example, if the engine cuts out during the overtaking maneuver. In that case, you have just as little chance .

That may be true, but it's also a poor comparison.


You wouldn't be the first person to have the charge air hose detach during the first maneuver after a workshop visit.


Take a look inside here: https://community.dieselschrauber.org/en/viewtopic.php?t=1632

or Google .

To prevent airbags from deploying unexpectedly, an anti-static working environment and conductive foam for the contacts are helpful.

CU Gremlin.

Okay, to be honest,... you guys are making a big fuss about removing the airbag,... )))

I have also installed the switch for the GRA (but it's not wired yet).

- Disconnect the battery approximately half an hour beforehand.
- Sensible cotton clothing prevents static electricity; otherwise, use a grounding strap on your wrist (available at electronics stores).
- Remove the Torx screws or other screws located on the back of the steering wheel (usually 2).
- Airbag! Caution! Disconnect and unplug (connector).
- Place the airbag with the connectors facing upwards, ensuring it is securely positioned (e.g., with a safety strap) and handle it with anti-static precautions.
- Remove the steering wheel using a large Torx screwdriver, etc. Be careful not to twist the airbag module and its connectors (as discussed above), etc., until you reach the switch and can integrate the cable into the original wiring harness.

- Now, let's do it in reverse.
- Steering wheel re-tightened (possibly using 2 new screws to attach the airbag to the steering wheel - this is debatable).

- reconnect the battery
- get into a safe position and turn the ignition key to the 'on' position,... if the airbag hasn't deployed yet,....... it looks like everything is okay .


Okay, here's the translation:

Okay, one more thing: TYPOS ARE WELCOME AND ARE INTENDED TO ENTERTAIN THE READERS!!!

- Place the airbag with the connectors facing upwards, ensuring it is securely positioned (anti-static).


Hello Merlin,

If it happens at all, the airbag will end up facing upwards. But what if the airbag is lying with the connectors facing upwards, and it deploys for some reason...? Exactly, that thing will fly all over the place. In fact, the airbag also has to be stored in a secured steel box.

I also prefer to store the airbag with the connectors facing downwards, because of the potential for it to fly around if it deploys.

I didn't think it was necessary to disconnect the battery for that. What's the point of doing that? After all, the battery is connected when I drive the car .

Regarding the steering angle sensor issue:
If I installed the plastic part (steering angle sensor) incorrectly, shouldn't VAG-COM display an incorrect angle?

With that, I could then determine whether I need to rotate the part or not.

Can anyone confirm this?

If not, then it will be said again: Practice makes perfect .

Best regards,
CH

- reconnect the battery.
- get into a safe position and turn the ignition key, ... if the airbag hasn't deployed yet, ... it looks like everything is okay .


During installation, I would suggest a different order:

- Install and connect the airbag.
- Turn the key to the ignition position.
- Connect the battery.

Because if the airbag were to deploy when you turn on the ignition, you won't be in the vehicle!

Martin R wrote:

During installation, I would suggest a different order: - Install and connect the airbag. - Turn the key to the ignition position. - Connect the battery. Because if the airbag were to actually deploy when you turn on the ignition, you won't be in the vehicle!!

"That's what VW requires as well!"

However, I didn't think it was necessary to disconnect the battery. What good would that do? After all, the battery is connected when I drive the car .


And that is what I meant...