Removing blown airbags (safety not suspension)

[RockCracker]

After blowing both driver and passenger side airbags in a wreck, I'm trying to replace them.

 

I've got the steering wheel at 90* but using a 1/8" screwdriver, I can't release the locking mechanism. I can see the anodized mounts, but I can't find where the screwdriver goes relative to them? Is it a pressure release or do I need to turn the screwdriver

 

 

For the passenger side, I've got the glove box off, and I see 4 10mm bolts. I've removed the nuts from the most rearward (closest to the seat) but I don't know how to remove the clips from the front ones.

 

Any help is appreciated.

[ZZebes]

well for the Driver Side this should Help

[RockCracker]

well for the Driver Side this should Help

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Thanks. I had read that one. I'm sure the mechanism is similar to that model year but for me it isn't releasing.

 

Does the mechanism change when the airbag is deployed? I'm grabbing at straws here.

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

well for the Driver Side this should Help

 

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Thanks. I had read that one. I'm sure the mechanism is similar to that model year but for me it isn't releasing.

 

Does the mechanism change when the airbag is deployed? I'm grabbing at straws here.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

 

what year is our truck?

 

Mine was a 2001, i needed to use a slightly larger regular sized srew driver. Put it in there and twist.. you are trying to spread open a c-clip device for lack of better terms. Once you turn it the pin pops out of it.. then move to the next side.

 

Be sure you have your fuses pulled..

[RockCracker]

Mine is a '98. I've read exactly what you've listed but for some reason it isn't popping out for me. Did you use a flat headed screwdriver? Do you remember turning it clock or counterclockwise?

 

Any advice on removing the clips from the bolts that are closest to the front on the passenger bag?

 

Since my bags are blown, do you know an order of installation that I should follow. I've read that the module shorts out after an accident. Therefore, if I were to install the new bags, they would blow once I hooked power back up. I don't know if this is true but it is pretty important.

 

Thanks a lot.

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

on the 2001 it would not matter if you turned either direction, you should feel the resistance of the clip opening up....you are basically just needing to pry open the clip far enough to let the 'pin' of the airbag release. i used a flat blade screw driver.. the width of the blade needs to be large enough to spread open the clip. I would use as big as one which fits in the hole. (This is all assumng 1998 was the same as my 01)

 

Not sure about the airbag firing off...what I do know (myth or not) I would treat the new airbag as a "loaded weapon" lol i pulled my fuses as a safety sake of any static / short / spark etc. I didnt want mine to blow as I put it in. I made the fuse the last connection I placed in. I was told the system can hold or retain power even when the car is off... true or not, i just took caution when playing w/ the airbags....

 

Once you get it off my method of removal will make perfect sense to you...again, assuming its the same as my 01

 

Good luck!!

[RockCracker]

I got the driver's bag out. It was exactly as stated. There is a little white plastic clip that holds the anadoized rod in place. Push that clip down and that side of the bag will be out.

 

 

Has anyone done the passenger side? I've removed 4 bolts total. Two 10mm and two 13 mm from the bottom. It isn't budging. There are 2 more bolts that I believe are only held in by clips. The problem is I cannot access the far side (toward the front of the truck) of the clips.

 

Here's the page out of the Helm's book.

 

http://1998chevy1500.gotdns.com/Cracker/IMG_2779.JPG

[sflichel]

Since my bags are blown, do you know an order of installation that I should follow.  I've read that the module shorts out after an accident.  Therefore, if I were to install the new bags, they would blow once I hooked power back up.  I don't know if this is true but it is pretty important. 

 

Thanks a lot.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I have heard that the sensors can also remain in the "deploy" position. I would either call the dealer or a good body shop and find out. Thats alot of money to lose if they deploy when hooking power back up.

[az'03Silverado]

Since my bags are blown, do you know an order of installation that I should follow.  I've read that the module shorts out after an accident.  Therefore, if I were to install the new bags, they would blow once I hooked power back up.  I don't know if this is true but it is pretty important. 

 

Thanks a lot.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I have heard that the sensors can also remain in the "deploy" position. I would either call the dealer or a good body shop and find out. Thats alot of money to lose if they deploy when hooking power back up.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Yeah, be sure to check that out. We'd hate to have you yell the 'f' word really loud and scare the kids in the neighborhood.

[new guy o5]

Since my bags are blown, do you know an order of installation that I should follow.  I've read that the module shorts out after an accident.  Therefore, if I were to install the new bags, they would blow once I hooked power back up.  I don't know if this is true but it is pretty important. 

 

Thanks a lot.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I have heard that the sensors can also remain in the "deploy" position. I would either call the dealer or a good body shop and find out. Thats alot of money to lose if they deploy when hooking power back up.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Yeah, be sure to check that out. We'd hate to have you yell the 'f' word really loud and scare the kids in the neighborhood.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

 

 

i replace air bags all the time and they wont blow if you replace them and the sensors and the module. just disconnect the negative side to the battery first. and youll be fine.

[RockCracker]

i replace air bags all the time

 

Can you offer me advice on how to get the passenger side out?

 

So far I've removed 4 bolts total. Two 10mm and two 13 mm from the bottom. It isn't budging. There are 2 more bolts that I believe are only held in by clips. The problem is I cannot access the far side (toward the front of the truck) of the clips.

 

Here's the page out of the Helm's book.

 

http://1998chevy1500.gotdns.com/Cracker/IMG_2779.JPG

 

 

Thanks.