The steering wheel in my 1990 240 was very worn and mushy at the top, and the airbag has a tear in the outer vinyl. I scoured the pick and pull yards untill I found a much better condition srs steering wheel and airbag. The airbag has a sticker on it advising not to be used in other vehicles however.

I am a tad concerned about swapping the airbag as I do not want to do something that will make it blow up in my face, or not blow up when its supposed to. Can you just swap this out, or does it need speacial attention by a specialist or dealer?

Thanks for any insight.

Not sure if you know this part yet but here it is. Always disconnect your battery before working on the airbag. You'll need to get a t30 driver. The socket bit types won't fit in the small holes that are located behind the steering wheel that hold the airbag to the steering wheel. Sears sells the Craftsman brand ones for 3.99 or so. Once you remove the airbag you need to lock the clock spring with the screw that should be provided in the steering wheel housing. If you don't lock the clock spring before removing it will spin all the way to one side and self destruct itself. Positioning the wheel perfectly centered is a little tricky. Each tooth is~ 6 degrees so if end up 2 off your wheel will be tilted ~ 12 degrees. Taking your time lining up the first time will save time in the end.

I am a tad concerned about swapping the airbag as I do not want to do something that will make it blow up in my face, or not blow up when its supposed to.

As these cars age the SRS systems have to be questionable at best. I would make every effort to do what you can to protect yourself, but drive carefully and maybe you won't need to rely on a 20 year old airbag.

Randy

Do you have a copy of Bentley? Get one!

It's described well in there. It's really just a matter of disconnecting the battery for a bit, removing the airbag, locking the contact reel, then pulling the steering wheel.

The SRS system isn't dangerous if you take it step by step.

-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces, Draco Wheels
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

I have a Haynes that the previous owner passed along with the car. I'm not worried about the assembly process as much as whether or not the airbag swap itself is ok. It seems like it would be a straightforward replacement, but I am new to this. My last 240 was an '86 that was in much better condition when purchased than my most recent car.

Once you follow the procedure and hook the battery back up (with the keys OUT of the car), here is a step that will keep you "safe" no matter what when you go to start the car...: Sit in the passenger seat, insert the key into the ignition and start the car. If the air bag does go off, you'll get some dust on you, that's about it!

jorrell
ps. I don't care what car it is, when I put a new or used airbag in, I will NOT sit in the seat that is "protected" by the air bag I just reinstalled or replaced.
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92 245 278K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!