Something in the Steering Wheel

[Chad Anderson]

I just bought a 2001 Accord EX. Everything is great, except that there is something clunking around inside the steering wheel when it is turned. Sometimes, whatever is in there hits the horn. I have messed with it a little bit, but I don't want to do something to activate the airbag. Any suggestions as to what I should do first?

[00accord44]

Like something behind the horn? Where the airbag should be???

Did you buy this car from an official type dealer, shady type dealer, independent seller, what? Cuz if there's space in there where the airbag is (or should be) then maybe it was taken out and sold, or deployed and then taken out instead of being put back in.

Or maybe there's something stuck inside the steering column hub (the little plastic covering over the steering column) If that turns out to be the case, you can crack that thing right open (seams along the sides) and take out whatever it is. Then the hub snaps right back in place. Hopefully its something in there and not a missing/defective airbag

edit: after re-reading

Originally Posted by Chad Anderson

Sometimes, whatever is in there hits the horn.

It would seem that its not in the steering column hub. You may want to take it to a collision center to see if they'll check the airbag for you

[Chad Anderson]

Yeah - I would say it's where the airbag would be. It sounds as if it's about the size of a marble, maybe a nut or something.

I bought it from a private seller and I ran a carfax which came back totally clean, so I am hoping that was accurate. If there was an airbag deployment, wouldn't that have to show up on the carfax? It seems like if I could pop off the cover of the steering wheel, I could get to it. I just didn't want to mess with the steering wheel cover for fear of the airbag. I will probably disconnect the battery and see if I can get it off of there.

[00accord44]

If anything collision related caused the airbag to deploy, it would definitely show up on carfax. I've never tried to take the airbag cover off, but I'd be very careful which I'm sure you plan on doing. I guess disconnecting the battery is a good safeguard. I know there are some screws on the back of the steering wheel but they require a special screwdriver head. I think it was a 3 point star pattern but I don't know if it helps get the actual cover off though.

Good luck and please watch yourself, an airbag deploying close range will definitely break a nose