Swapping steering wheel - easy job?

FocusZtec · 03-04-2007, 08:36

Hello all,

Does anyone know what is involved in swapping steering wheels on an 2002 Octavia? The current airbag will be going back into the new steering wheel - is it just a case of remove airbag cover, remove airbag module (presumably after disconnecting the battery??), undo large nut ?

put new wheel in place, put airbag back in and replace cover?

Any help would be greatfully recieved.

Cheers,

Lee

EddyH · 03-04-2007, 09:24

It's easy. You need a screw driver and an M12(IIRC) spline drive. The airbag and cover are one unit.

To remove the airbag you to turn the wheel a quarter turn from centre and you will find a hole on the back of the wheel, insert a screw driver and release the clip. Then turn a quarter turn from centre the other way and release the 2nd clip. Return the wheel to the centre. Disconnect the battery, unplug the airbag. Undo the bolt, swap the wheel, refit bolt. Plug airbag in push into place making sure both clips click into place, reconnect battery.

Do this at your own risk and take sensible precautions.

Lummox · 03-04-2007, 09:26

Remember to leave the battery disconnected for 15 mins before disconnecting the airbag.

DirtyVec · 03-04-2007, 12:30

Got my Golf R32 wheel swapped over by someone who works at Skoda dealer.
Took him no longer than 5 mins, as didnt even bother disconnecting the battery for the airbag reason.

I was shocked, but he said you didnt need to do that

Blanchie · 03-04-2007, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lummox

Remember to leave the battery disconnected for 15 mins before disconnecting the airbag.

Be warey that even a disconnected airbag CAN go off on it's own!

Lummox · 03-04-2007, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blanchie

Be warey that even a disconnected airbag CAN go off on it's own!

And how is that seeing as it needs an electrical feed to fire?

Can you imagine anyone transporting one that 'could' go off?

Blanchie · 03-04-2007, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lummox

And how is that seeing as it needs an electrical feed to fire?

Can you imagine anyone transporting one that 'could' go off?

Not heard of static? you'll be suprised what an airbag can do when it's not installed in a steering wheel, we've had one imbedded in the roof at work a few years back whilst left face down on a work bench. Recomendations from the manufactures are that they are stored once out of the vehicle in a Steel container with the lid shut ie Amunition box.

Cheers

Lummox · 03-04-2007, 13:12

I have set many off before (used to be policy before returning them).

Agreed static 'could' set one off so i guess you are correct. New airbags are delivered in anti static wrapping usually.

FocusZtec · 03-04-2007, 14:20

Cheers for the advice guys - the airbag going off was my worry I guess. If I disconnect the battery for 30 + mins I hope that should cover things.

By the sound of it I'd better put my PC building anti static wrist strap on too!

Cheers again,

Lee

03-04-2007, 08:36	#1
FocusZtec Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North London Posts: 823 Members Car: Octy 4x4 1.8T Elegance Hatch Thanks: 34 Thanked 27 Times in 24 Posts	Swapping steering wheel - easy job? Hello all, Does anyone know what is involved in swapping steering wheels on an 2002 Octavia? The current airbag will be going back into the new steering wheel - is it just a case of remove airbag cover, remove airbag module (presumably after disconnecting the battery??), undo large nut ? put new wheel in place, put airbag back in and replace cover? Any help would be greatfully recieved. Cheers, Lee __________________ Thanks to JKM: REVO STAGE 2+ remap, Evoms CAI, Piper Turbo back Exhaust, Autotech Fuel Pump, Torque Arm Insert, Forge Recirc, Neuspeed Turbo & Intercooler pipes, APR FMIC, Iridium plugs, Koni FSD's, Eibach springs, Eibach F + R anti roll bars. VF short shifter. 345mm Brakes. 280BHP & 330LB/FT - enough room for a proper trip to B&Q and 36mpg on a run!!!

03-04-2007, 09:24	#2
EddyH Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 4,908 Members Car: Audi S8 Thanks: 41 Thanked 27 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Swapping steering wheel - easy job? It's easy. You need a screw driver and an M12(IIRC) spline drive. The airbag and cover are one unit. To remove the airbag you to turn the wheel a quarter turn from centre and you will find a hole on the back of the wheel, insert a screw driver and release the clip. Then turn a quarter turn from centre the other way and release the 2nd clip. Return the wheel to the centre. Disconnect the battery, unplug the airbag. Undo the bolt, swap the wheel, refit bolt. Plug airbag in push into place making sure both clips click into place, reconnect battery. Do this at your own risk and take sensible precautions. __________________ EddyH Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport

03-04-2007, 09:26	#3
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,498 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 761 Times in 639 Posts	Re: Swapping steering wheel - easy job? Remember to leave the battery disconnected for 15 mins before disconnecting the airbag. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

03-04-2007, 12:30	#4
DirtyVec Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North East Posts: 177 Members Car: Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Swapping steering wheel - easy job? Got my Golf R32 wheel swapped over by someone who works at Skoda dealer. Took him no longer than 5 mins, as didnt even bother disconnecting the battery for the airbag reason. I was shocked, but he said you didnt need to do that

03-04-2007, 13:12	#8
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,498 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 761 Times in 639 Posts	Re: Swapping steering wheel - easy job? I have set many off before (used to be policy before returning them). Agreed static 'could' set one off so i guess you are correct. New airbags are delivered in anti static wrapping usually. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

03-04-2007, 14:20	#9
FocusZtec Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: North London Posts: 823 Members Car: Octy 4x4 1.8T Elegance Hatch Thanks: 34 Thanked 27 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Swapping steering wheel - easy job? Cheers for the advice guys - the airbag going off was my worry I guess. If I disconnect the battery for 30 + mins I hope that should cover things. By the sound of it I'd better put my PC building anti static wrist strap on too! Cheers again, Lee __________________ Thanks to JKM: REVO STAGE 2+ remap, Evoms CAI, Piper Turbo back Exhaust, Autotech Fuel Pump, Torque Arm Insert, Forge Recirc, Neuspeed Turbo & Intercooler pipes, APR FMIC, Iridium plugs, Koni FSD's, Eibach springs, Eibach F + R anti roll bars. VF short shifter. 345mm Brakes. 280BHP & 330LB/FT - enough room for a proper trip to B&Q and 36mpg on a run!!!

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