Hi,
I decided to photoblog the work i did yesterday on the removal of the factory airbag system from my SW20 and replacing it with a Momo Champion steering wheel. I wasn't quite sure how this was going to turn out so i was being as careful as a bomb disposal or hazmat team as the last thing i wanted was a rogue airbag in the face.
Its also very important that you check with your Insurance Company prior to changing and removing your factory airbag steering wheel as well. Most Insurance companies will not allow you to do this. Mine however did and were more than fine with it and I've got it in writing. Make sure you get yours in writing in advance!
After asking a number of Toymodders, i found that generally there was a vague idea of how to do it correctly. Problem is i needed to know as i was hearing mixed reports and as mentioned above, the last thing i need on my christmas break was a broken nose from Airbag impact.. So here goes.
First of all, Prepare your tools. You're going to need -
- Flathead and Phillips head screwdriver
- Socket Set. I Actually didnt Use mine as i found my Wheel Brace worked the treat.
- 1/4" Torx Bit
- 10mm Spanner
- Soldering Iron + Wiring + Solder
- Wire Stripper
- Replacement Steering Wheel and Bosskit (Duh)
Okay first things first, Open the bonnet, take out the Spare Tyre and use the 10mm Spanner to disconnect the big fella first..
I should mention right about here if you have one of these little wankers..
Shut it off before you disconnect the battery. That is, provided you have the keys of course. To cut a long story short, The dealer never gave me a set of alarm shutoff keys with the car, and the previous owner didnt have one either.. Thus when i disconnected the battery, the alarm would kick in and not turn off even with the remote. So i had to go out and have the Siren unit rebored and a new key shutoff mechanism installed. Cost $55 from Ashley Electrical in Malaga. Kudos to them for doing this. Wasnt much dollarwise in the end, took all of 20 minutes.. but it was neccessary to do before i could proceed any further.
Now is the point where you wait. Step on the brake pedal, turn the lights on, turn on the radio. Do whatever you can to discharge any excess power from the system. However whatever you do. Wait for AT LEAST 90 Seconds prior to commencing work. Id heard mixed reports of how long you actually needed to wait, so i went and physically asked the mechanics at Scarborogh Toyota myself, and they confirmed that its 90 seconds.
Once the wait is over, Go inside and you will notice either side of the steering wheel there are two panels. Pop both open with the flathead screwdriver.
On the left of the steering wheel you will notice a bracket held on by a single phillips screw. Remove this. About now you will notice the funny looking screw underneath it. Same screw on the opposite side..
Here is where i stop for a second and mention in my ill-found wisdom what the hell this is. Up until this point id never seen a Torx Bit. I had no idea what one was. All i saw was this funny 6 pointed star centred screw and the thought racing through my mind "oh fuck, don't tell me i need a SST for this? Surely theres a WST for it or something". After going to two Toyota Dealerships i finally was told what the hell it was, so don't panic! If you dont have one just head up to your local Repco and get one for about $7. This will save you a genuine hour and a half of fucking about if you dont know what it is as well and you're in the same boat as me.
After you have your Torx bit ready, unscrew the torx screws on both sides of the wheel. Do it from outside the car on the drivers side and in the passengers seat on the left side just in case BOOM! Once both screws are out, then gently pop the Airbag module out of its place and remove from the vehicle.
Next unclip all the horn wiring. This is the blue wiring obviously running to both horn buttoms and back into the base of the wheel (duh)
Now use your socket, Or in my case the wheel Brace which worked far better than the sockets IMHO to loosen and remove the centre nut that locks the steering wheel in place.
Continued Next Post..
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