Airbag Removal
 

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the Airbag section from the steering wheel on a 1998 2.5L Boxster? The horn keeps going off when I brake etc. I bought some #31 o-rings to supplement the worn out bushings.

Unhook the battery, then turn the ignition to the acc position and wait 5-10 minutes. Then just unscrew the T30 Torx bolts from the rear. It helps if you have the wheel turned for each to bring the bolt to the top so you can get to them easier. Once it is free, pull it out just a bit so you can reach behind it and unplug the connector. It's really simple. ;)

I'm sticking the torx in the hole on each side but I'm not making any connection with the bolts? How far deep are they?

Not too deep, but it is a bit of a pain to find the bolt head. I used a small hand mirror when I did mine a couple days ago.

I think the 4 spoke wheels were more of a headache (I have a 3 spoke now). I was never able to get a Torx with coupler on them due to the hole size, so used a 4mm Allen wrench.

Do the bolts come off completely or should I just loosen them?

You can loosen them all the way, but they don't come out. They are locked into the wheel, so can't come out and won't fall out.

One trick I have found is to use a screw driver and get it fit into the head of the screws. Then use a channel lock pliers to turn the screw driver. Yes, those 18 year old screws get set in there that hard.

Are you planning to leave the air bag out upon reassembly? I am a little leary of a 15+ year old pyrotechnical device aimed at my neck. Can good ol Durametric smooth it over afterward?

I have taken mine apart several times. I unplug the battery and wait about an hour. But I like the suggestion of turning the key to acc to drain the system. I turn the wheel so the spokes are at 12 and 6 oclock then I use the torx 30 but I have a set of long ones. Just make sure you are turning in the right direction, I speak from experience. I swapped mine for a 3 spoke.

Turn to the left to loosen?

Yes. I think Mike is just referring to the fact that it is confusing since the tool will be facing you. Did you get it off yet?

Not yet

I will try again tomorrow

Got them off at last.

The bracket bushings look completely shot.

I don't think the #31 o-rings to supplement the worn out bushings are gonna be big enough.

:confused:
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1482116007.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1482116017.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1482116036.jpg
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1482116046.jpg

@More : I ended up putting o-rings on the back and front of mine to fix the issue. Basically just pack them in there until you prevent the metal contacting, but not too much to prevent you being able to press the horn still. Also as you're in Aus, if you need more o-rings, Bunnings sell a mixed pack for a few $ and it contains ones that are a suitable (if not exact) fit, worked for me anyway.

I just made washers out of dense foam rubber. It's hard to explain in words...pictures would have been better, but I didn't take any.

Well I put the o-rings on front and back and now the horns not working at all.

OldSchool73 where about's in Sydney are you based?

Wanna show me how it's done?

:cheers:

F.I.X.E.D

Would've been fixed earlier if I hadn't have forgotten to reconnect the horn from the steering wheel before reconnecting the battery.

:)

:) I almost asked if you forgot to connect the wire back to the frame. Glad you got it fixed!

Cheers and thanks for the tips :cool:

Haha, nice one. I'm in Erskineville, you anywhere nearby out of interest More?