Three spoke steering wheel issue

[pussywillow1972]

I am trying to install a three spoke steering wheel and airbag. When screwing in the airbag, the top of the bag raises slightly above the spoke of the wheel and the bottom of the bag lifts away from the wheel and the screws seem to bottom out before the airbag is tight to the wheel. I can't turn them any further but the airbag is wobbly inside the airbag carrier. Are there supposed to be washers between the airbag and the wheel or something? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[911monty]

Well where did you get this wheel? It appears from the pic that it was in an accident and the bottom and left spoke are possibly bent. If you can take some more pics with better detail. If the wheel is straight then the thin metal frame the airbag is attached to is bent. You can remove that piece and lay on a flat surface, then carefully bend back into shape or get a new one.

[pussywillow1972]

Originally Posted by 911monty

Well where did you get this wheel? It appears from the pic that it was in an accident and the bottom and left spoke are possibly bent. If you can take some more pics with better detail. If the wheel is straight then the thin metal frame the airbag is attached to is bent. You can remove that piece and lay on a flat surface, then carefully bend back into shape or get a new one.

I got it on ebay. I'll remove the carrier like you suggest and see if it's bent. The wheel itself looks ok.

[pussywillow1972]

When I put the airbag in the wheel, it lays flat and even. It only comes out of place once I start to screw the airbag in.

[911monty]

I bought my wheel and airbag separately. It was slightly off not quite as bad as yours is, but I took a little time and a critical eye and got it to fit perfectly. Have fun.

[pussywillow1972]

It looks like the carrier might be bent? When I tighten the screws, there's a large gap between the airbag and the bottom bump stop. The two top ones are tight against the airbag. I'm assuming the bottom bump stop should be the same?

[911monty]

Oh yeah that's the problem. Take your time and a little meditation (bad joke going around) then tweak the bent pieces straight thinking about how the airbag needs to move. Easy.

Yes equal gaps all around.

[pussywillow1972]

I spent some time bending it into shape. It's about 95% of the way there. I'll spend a bit more time with it and get it right. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

[911monty]

You're welcome. Glad to help.