Need to remove airbag from 2008 Prix steering wheel

[guitarfish]

The last time I removed a bag was on my old '04, it was two simple screws. Now it looks like a Rubick's cube puzzle on the '08. I found some instructions for an '04, there are two slots on the back and a pry tool is required. The '08 is even less obvious how to remove without instructions.

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. I need to replace my clock spring.

Thanks.

[olopezm]

You need a special tool but MAYBE you can use a flat screw driver to lift the tabs. I would inspect before attempting to use it, waiting for another users opinion is a good idea too.

Make sure you read the "disabling" pdf first.

Oscar.

[guitarfish]

Originally Posted by olopezm

You need a special tool but MAYBE you can use a flat screw driver to lift the tabs. I would inspect before attempting to use it, waiting for another users opinion is a good idea too.

Make sure you read the "disabling" pdf first.

Oscar.

Thanks so much for your reply. It's a little more complicated to remove then when they were bolted on. I appreciate the quick reply.

[Tech II]

When it comes to airbags, you MUST disable the system.......

With key out of the ignition, remove air bag fuse(s).....

Disconnect yellow air bag connector at the bottom of the steering column....

Now rotate the wheel so the holes are at 12 o'clock......using a mirror and a light, you will see a small steel bar in the hole....grab the top edge of the air bag, and give a slight pull....using a pick or screwdriver, slide it under the "bar", and release it upward...with a slight pull, you will feel it release....keep the pull pressure on the bag......now release the other one......

Then rotate the wheel 180 degrees and do the other one.....this actually works better than the tool, which tends to bend over time....

[olopezm]

Originally Posted by guitarfish

Thanks so much for your reply. It's a little more complicated to remove then when they were bolted on. I appreciate the quick reply.

You´re welcome, I hope you fix that problem soon!. I agree with you about being complicated, I read the manual and lists LOTS of componentes that need to be removed in order to replace the clockspring, it´s just insane!!!

Originally Posted by Tech II

When it comes to airbags, you MUST disable the system.......

With key out of the ignition, remove air bag fuse(s).....

Disconnect yellow air bag connector at the bottom of the steering column....

Now rotate the wheel so the holes are at 12 o'clock......using a mirror and a light, you will see a small steel bar in the hole....grab the top edge of the air bag, and give a slight pull....using a pick or screwdriver, slide it under the "bar", and release it upward...with a slight pull, you will feel it release....keep the pull pressure on the bag......now release the other one......

Then rotate the wheel 180 degrees and do the other one.....this actually works better than the tool, which tends to bend over time....

That´s what I was talking about, nice to have a good response about it. It will definitely help other people to know it can be done without the special tool.

Oscar.

[guitarfish]

I bought a service manual on DVD for my Grand Prix, I should have it in a few days. I plan to have the car for 6 more years, so I expect I'll refer to it alot. Getting this clock spring replaced probably isn't that hard once I have the directions in front of me, but right now I'm flying blind.

Thanks for all the tips guys. Can't wait to get this one behind me.

[guitarfish]

What I'm about to post is so embarrassing, I'm glad I can hide behind the anonimity of the web.

I got my airbag off. It took me 1hr 45m.



Yup. 1hr45m Just to get the bag off.

First, I had a "GM Airbag Removal Tool" compliments of the local AutoZone. It was so poorly designed, it was completely useless. Only after I finally got the bag off, and I inserted the tool in the rear holes, did I realize there was no way in shinola that tool could ever release the clips. It couldn't even reach them. Stunning. But you get what you pay for, right? Tool cost: $12.72. Frustration level: immeasruable.

The only pearls of wisdom I can give to someone doing this for the first time is:
1) a 3-4" long, thin regular screwdriver, eg one whose flat blade tip is only about 1/8" wide, is what will do it. You need to insert it in the hole so it's alongside an aluminum-colored metal bar, and rotate it, so the flatblade spreads the bar away from the piece it's holding.

2) This is important - when you insert the screwdriver in the holes in the back of the steering wheel, you need to point it 5-10 degrees towards the center of the steering wheel, as opposed to straight in the hole pointing towards the back of the car. I hope that makes sense. With the right angle, turn it, pop, and you should be able to have the bag out in <5 min.

I wanted to pull this bag all week, never had the chance. My wife drug me off to the shore today, we finally got back home at 10pm. I decided to quickly pull the airbag tonight, then do the clock spring replacement tomorrow. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

There is a silver lining though. I found out once I got in there that I don't need to replace the clock spring! If you're curious as to why not, check this out for the surprising ending:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...72#post6919772