Fitting a GTI steering Wheel

[jonm]

Got my hands on a gti wheel now, but before i pull the airbag off is there anything I should be aware of when doing this task?

Also what size if the nut holding the wheel on...

[dodds-gttdi]

I'm in the same boat, mate. Got my GTI steering wheel but not fitted yet. Here's all the necessary steps as far as I can work out:

1. You need to turn the steering wheel (in your car) 90 degrees left and un-hook the clip at the back that holds on the airbag.
2. Then turn the steering wheel right 180 degrees and un-hook the other clip.

You should see where these two (exposed) metal tabs are for the airbag to latch onto on your yet-to-be-fitted steering wheel.
You will probably need a stubby but not too chunky flat screw driver to get into it.

4. Once you have the airbag unclipped, return the steering wheel to straight/centre/forward then disconnect the battery so nothing explodes when you unplug the airbag from the steering wheel. I think this also prevents any airbag warning lights coming on.

5. The nut in the centre is a spline M12 not a Torx bolt. You can get M12 Spline Sockets from ebay for fairly cheap.
6. As I haven't actually carried any of this out yet, I guess the next step will be to undo the bolt, and mark up the top of the spline shaft so you can align up your next steering wheel. I don't know if it is possible to put the steering wheel on squint or if there is a master spline so it can only go on one way.
7. once you have the new steering wheel on, put the central bolt back on and torque to 50NM (so I'm told), plug back in the airbag and clip it back in place.
8. Re-connect your battery or you won't get anywhere fast. 

This is all info I've gathered on forums, etc and not advise given from experience. Let me know how you get on. Cheers 

[skard]

When I disconnect the battery to remove the wheel, I leave it a good 10-15 minutes before taking the airbag off.
I'm sure I read somewhere about pumping the brake pedal to discharge the electrical system?

Once you've put it all back together, chances are your ESP and ABS lights will be illuminated. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel fully in both directions and drive slowly in a straight line. The dash warning lights should go off.

[jonm]

thanks for the info 

[vRS_Pagey]

You only need to remove the negative side of the battery, and leave it for 2 minutes.  I fitted a cruise control today which required steering wheel removal, job was completed in under 15 minutes.

[dodds-gttdi]

Any tips for getting the airbag off, i.e. perfect tool/screwdriver?

Also did you leave the battery connected until after you had unclipped the airbag or disconnect it before you started? Just wondering as turning the steering wheel with no power steering is gonna be a mission I'd imagine. 

[rich83]

Short fat flat bladed one works perfectly

[vRS_Pagey]

Any tips for getting the airbag off, i.e. perfect tool/screwdriver?

Also did you leave the battery connected until after you had unclipped the airbag or disconnect it before you started? Just wondering as turning the steering wheel with no power steering is gonna be a mission I'd imagine.  

I used this guide - http://www.sciroccocentral.co.uk/roccopedia/index.php?title=Fit_Cruise_Control - As I was trained by Thatcham I stick to the H&S rules so disconnect the battery first before going anywhere near the airbag, tbh it's not that hard to move the wheel, but it will probably be perfectly safe to pop the clicks to the release the airbag prior to disconnecting the battery but I wouldn't recommend it.  

[Eddie-NL]

Apart from disconnecting the battery BEFORE commencing work on removing the airbag. it is a good idea to ground yourself (discharge any static electricity)

[mortygttdi]

I know its in the big rule book of h&s but to this day i have never ever seen an airbag go off by accident? Touches a very big piece of wood you can twist the wires together on the airbag loom it will not go off it would only trigger a fault in the system, now i'm no pyrotechnic engineer but imo as long has the battery neg lead is disconnected your not going to get any nasty exploding bags in your face, i'm not saying jump in feet first? But don't be scared of the airbag. Famous last words over have fun get it done and enjoy your modding...

Darren

[vRS_Pagey]

In my job we are trained by Thatcham to search vehicles, mainly because of the need to remove SRS equipment and fuel systems, during the training they deploy an airbag, needless to say it is an impressive sight.  But as Darren says, in all my years I have never seen an airbag deploy accidently, however there is always a first time.

On 99% of newer car the removal of the negative side is all that is required and most need 2 minutes discharge time, iirc the maximum requirement is 15 minutes from some Mercedes.  Best practice for the untrained would be to completely disconnect the battery, then go and make a cuppa! 

If anyone needs it, I have access to Thatcham.net which will give methods for all current SRS systems, including torque settings for refitting the airbag (not applicable on the Golf) and steering wheel.   

[Johnny_tro]

Lame question (maybe) but when I have done any work (incl) airbag I have ALWAYS pulled the poss (+) lead from the battery. Is this completely wrong? should it always be the neg (-) ?

Kinda thought so long as ones off it will do the same job?

[jonm]

less than 5mins and it was done....

Pulled off the - neg terminal
turned steering wheel right undid clip
turned steering wheel left undid clip
pulled airbag out and unplugged
removed big nut
pulled wheel off
put wheel on
tightened big nut
plugged airbag back in
pushed airbag back in
replaced battery terminal

Job Done

[ali6n2]

is it a must to get the torque setting right when screwing the spline back in?

[vRS_Pagey]

Lame question (maybe) but when I have done any work (incl) airbag I have ALWAYS pulled the poss (+) lead from the battery. Is this completely wrong? should it always be the neg (-) ?

Kinda thought so long as ones off it will do the same job?

Negative only or both mate.

less than 5mins and it was done....
Pulled off the - neg terminal
turned steering wheel right undid clip
turned steering wheel left undid clip
pulled airbag out and unplugged
removed big nut
pulled wheel off
put wheel on
tightened big nut
plugged airbag back in
pushed airbag back in
replaced battery terminal

Job Done

It took that long.......

is it a must to get the torque setting right when screwing the spline back in?

I would.