AOW162435

I have a new driver's side airbag that I'd like to install before it dry-rots in my shop. For an early '95 OBDI w/o Immobilizer, I presume simply disconnecting the battery for a bit prior to surgery should be fine?

Not sure why I'm hesitant to do this, as I've removed my 4Runner's airbag 6 or 7 times over the last few years.

I believe I read a comment about an airbag light coming on after R/R - anything to worry about here?

I'm keeping my standard 4-spoke wheel and simply replacing the vinyl bag with a leather one.


Andreas

95_993

Andreas,

I have '95 w/o immobilizer. When switching airbags (went to 3-spoke) a few months back, I simply disconnected the battery for 30 minutes. Everything worked fine,

SKM

I installed a three spoke wheel and airbag unit on mine with no problem. Just disconnedted the battery for 30 minute prior to removing the airbag. No warning lights, etc.

randytrish

Same here on the disconnect and wait. Never had an issue.
Randy

Stealth 993

Power is NOT supplied to the airbag when the car is off. There is NO power storage devices in the airbag. You can remove the airbag with out the light coming on, just DO NOT turn the car on, with the airbag removed.

The only potential for the airbag going off is static electricity, & that is also unlikely.

There should be no difference with airbags, or with/without immobilizer.

rsr91128

I have had my airbag off a few times. I always have unhooked the - cable just because.

One thing to watch for before you get into it is to make sure the new airbag is for an early car, otherwise you will need a different retaining frame and bolts.

Early cars, before 5/96? (I assume yours would be included) use a deeper airbag, the newer cars use a shallow bag with long shoulder bolts to mount the bag to the retaining frame.

Best I can tell from the Tequipment catalog the leather bag was only available 96 and newer, so you may want to make sure before you take it apart only to order more stuff.

I put a newer wheel with an older bag but had to reuse my old retaining frame to make it work

AOW162435

Hmm. I've heard mention of this before, and thought I'd just pull the old and see what I have (assume factory original from '94).

Any idea on the Torx size - Search refuses to pop up for me...


Andreas

AOW162435

So I pulled the old Naugahyde sack and took a few pics showing the differences between the two. It was pretty obvious that the circa '94 frame would not work with the new airbag...

Does anyone know the correct part number for this item?


















Andreas

rsr91128

Sorry I didn't check in sooner.

You figured out it is a T27 screw head.

According to PET the new style airbag frame is # 993 347 088 01 (same # for 996)

and you will need qty 2 shouldered pan head screws # 999 073 134 02

You can reuse the large hex head bolts, if your horn squishy things (technical term) are torn the new frame will come with them so you are good there.


I bet there are lots of Rennlisters that installed 3 spoke wheels into 96 and newer cars that may have one laying around. Otherwise they carry the usual Porsche overcharge. I have one that may work in my attic somewhere but it is marked with a techart part # for my current steering wheel, I am going out of town for a week and my dismantled car is parked underneath the attic access ladder. If nobody comes to the rescue I can look in a couple of weeks to see if it is up there.

Best of luck, and get that leather thing installed before it dries up, I would hate for you to have to have it recovered

AOW162435

Erik,
Great information - thank you.

I've sent an inquiry to Sunset and will see if the frame is still reasonable (~$60). If it's gone up ten-fold, I'll need to lean on my RL brethren...

The rubber bushings in my 16-year-old frame are still perfect. I took another look at things tonight and believe that with the proper amount of shimming (1/2"+) between the body of the new airbag and the old frame, one could make the old frame work. Quite easily actually. But I'd never live that 'mod' down...

As for recovering, worry not - this airbag is super nice.


Andreas

AOW162435

Erik,
Just came across this tech bulletin, which states that the new airbag and corresponding frame will not work with the earlier steering wheel. Is this correct? If so, that's a bummer...





Andreas

rsr91128

I put an old style airbag in a new style steering wheel without issue by reusing my old frame.

There is only one way to find out.

I pulled the car out (minus a muffler) and got my newer style frame and hardware out of parts storage room #3 (attic).

I'll mail them to you and see if they work, if they do, we'll work it out later. If it doesn't work just send it back.

BTW the frame I am sending is from a Techart (OE supplier) steering wheel with a 993 part # on it, I don't think this will matter. Whoever redyed the leather on the steering wheel just sprayed surflex or something like it all over the airbag frame, so it may not live up to DUNG BEETLE standards without a cleanup.

I will try to get it in the mail tomorrow, same ship to as the b-handle?

Let me know if it works.

AOW162435

Erik,
Many thanks - PM forthcoming.


Andreas

DanL993

BUMP-so I can subscribe to this thread. GREAT exchange.

AOW162435

Erik,
I wanted to report that the newer-style frame worked perfect - thank you so much for sending it.

Payment in the form of 1/4" MDF & foam will be in the mail soon.


Andreas