1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I agree with Lawrence’s comments. I would hope the front crash sensors (G-sensors) would be reusable if they were not physically damaged in the accident. I hope the computer would not need to be replaced, although perhaps something is fried when it blows the airbag.
Here is what I learned:
You can remove the blown airbag module by using or torx bit (large, like a T30) or allen wrench to remove the screws in the little holes in the back of the steering wheel. I was unable to find anyway to remove the cable connection to the airbag so I cut it. This allows you to operate the vehicle.
I procured a complete steering wheel with airbag and (what sobstory calls the…) slip collar, from the local pik-a-part. I assume they mean the plastic ring with two cables that remain stationary as the steering wheel is turned and two cables that rotate with the steering wheel. One pair of cable connections is for the airbag, one is for the horn.
If there is a way to separate this assembly, I was not able to figure it out. What I mean is, I replaced the steering wheel, airbag and slip collar AS AN ASSEMBLY. I can only imagine what that would cost new. Probably much more than I paid.
Now, to the installation. One of the screws that secure the slip collar is buried under the section of the dash that covers the column. I decided to lower the steering column to access these screws, as opposed to removing the dash. To lower the column….
There are 4 ea. 12 mm bolts holding the column in position. The column support is the wire mesh looking gizmo that surrounds the column. Two bolt heads are facing the driver, two are facing the floor (down, that is.) Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts facing the driver. (I removed the bolts facing the driver, and had to fool around getting them started again.) Now, loosen the two bolts facing the floor and the column will drop down. The bolts you loosen that face the driver have a slot in the column support which allows it drop when you loosen the two bolts that face the floor.
Now you can access the two screws that hold the slip collar in place. If you haven’t already removed the airbag and bolt that holds on the steering wheel, you can do that now and remove the steering wheel.
Assembly is done the reverse of removal.
The slip collar turns a little more than 3 complete turns clockwise or counter clockwise. Woe be unto the Saab mechanic who does not have the ring in the center of it’s range when it is installed. Carefully check that the ring will turn 3 turns in either direction, verifying that you are in the center of the travel. I’m assuming the wheels are pointed straight ahead, of course. I checked it no less than 4 times.
All this was done with the braket that holds the Turn signal/wiper switch removed and hanging from the wires.
posted by 128.125.227...
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