Air bag disassembly

[97t4r81]

Hi, does anyone know if you can remove an airbag assembly from a 4 spoke 98 and install into a 2 spoke 97? There are different connectors for each. My question is whether I can swap the inner part with the connector. Looking at them it seems possible, but I don't want a boom or busted gear. I'm specificly discussing the 4 nuts holding the white and yellow plastic part to the steel housing(the plastic is attached to an aluminum base that is bolted to the steel structure).The bag must be removable or else couldn't put in a new one after deployment. I won't go further till I learn more. Thanks. ( photo of 97. 2 spoke) I can only seem to post one picture per post( learning)

 

[97t4r81]

This is the 98. 4 spoke. Maybe someone else has a different way

 

[97t4r81]

Could I just cut the plugs coming in and swap them maybe? The whole purpose of this is to have a nicer wheel, but perhaps I'll just take it to get recovered.

 

[Georges1996]

Hey check my thread that I posted a couple hours ago.

Do you have acess to the 1998 clockspring still? if so, great! You're in luck.

Just snip the connector from the 1998 clock spring, and cut your old 1997 connector, and splice the 98 on there.

Should just be a yellow and blue wire, very simple and straightforward.

 

[97t4r81]

Hey check my thread that I posted a couple hours ago.

Do you have acess to the 1998 clockspring still? if so, great! You're in luck.

Just snip the connector from the 1998 clock spring, and cut your old 1997 connector, and splice the 98 on there.

Should just be a yellow and blue wire, very simple and straightforward.

I'll check your thread, have you done this? It won't blow up? I have both complete vehicles. Silly, but will butt connections work? Or do I need a different type of splice.? Thanks

 

[Georges1996]

I'll check your thread, have you done this? It won't blow up? I have both complete vehicles. Silly, but will butt connections work? Or do I need a different type of splice.? Thanks

Nope, it doesn't blow up, and I've retained all functionality. Cruise and horn work fine.

I just did it today, takes a grand total of a half an hour. Butt connections should be fine, I soddered and used heat shrink tubing for a cleaner factory look.

 

[JBurt]

I would be very hesitant to slice into airbag wires. They should have a specific resistance that I don't want to mess with.

 

[97t4r81]

I would be very hesitant to slice into airbag wires. They should have a specific resistance that I don't want to mess with.

I'm listening, but I can't see how this is not viable. Toyotas would use the same voltage and resistance for their airbags throughout the gen. The plug would differ to allow for differences and updates and etc. please inform me better on your knowledge as I'm not a know everything kind of human? Is it the collective opinion to forget the mod and recover the wheel at the upoltster, then move on? I hate wheel covers as all seem to come from the cheap," auto store" variety. Thanks

 

[Georges1996]

You're really not changing much, just the end plug. It's up to you, I love the upgraded wheel, and I feel safe and confident in it. Everyone has different comfort levels, but I truly belive it's a safe mod. I know I'm not the first person to do this.

 

[angus]

I've spliced airbag wires with no issue - if you'd like to just change the charge unit, you can do that too as long as the bolt pattern is right.