Should airbags be replaced?

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You know, I've wondered the same thing. Do I have a fragmentation grenade in the dash ready to go off? I have no clue. I do frequent 4Runners in junk yard frequently and they all have good bags that deploy as they should, I've never seen a 4Runner with a biohazard flag on it (meaning there's blood in the car from the crash) which is what I'd assume would happen if the air bag was no good and killed the driver.

Morbid thoughts.
 
An observation not talked about much at all. My general understanding is they need examination/possible replacement after 10 yrs, most of our 3rd gens are somewhere between 19-almost 25 yrs, yikes!
 
I have no intention of changing mine. The system has self test diagnostic in it. Besides brand new air bags would probably be insanely priced. I will watch the topic though as it's an excellent question with our air bags being close or over 20 years old.

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Interesting question. I'd add seatbelts to the list for consider.

There's a sticker inside the console storage of my '90 volvo to get the airbags checked at 10 years. Guess I'm about 20 years overdue for that!
 
That's a fair question, and one that never gets asked. Airbags are sort of an "out of sight, out of mind" thing.

Don't need them until you need them :)
 
I_bRAD said:
Interesting question. I'd add seatbelts to the list for consider.
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I just replaced the drivers seat belt in the '98 4runner we have. I was surprised that it was available, and reasonably priced.
Replaced because it had the classic slow/no retraction.
 
What's the difference between an airbag that is 20 years old and in the vehicle now or one that's 20 years old and has been sitting on a shelf?
I cant see anyone making brand new ones for a 20+ year old vehicle
 
Have wondered this myself, they worked when needed @ 22 yrs old, current Runner 19 yr old still wondering, ha.
 

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Seatbelt Thread while back mentioned using seatbeltrepair.com $65.00 refurb service depending on options, alternate source service just sayin.
Airbags haven't looked yet.
 
More than a few folks like to swap in a Lexus steering wheel (Tim and Sean both, I believe) on their 3rd Gens. I have been put off by just bolting on a new wheel containing an unknown airbag. I guess you really never know an airbag until it deploys, but it seems sketchy (probably just because I'm a novice). Thoughts?
 
Endlessblockades said:
More than a few folks like to swap in a Lexus steering wheel (Tim and Sean both, I believe) on their 3rd Gens. I have been put off by just bolting on a new wheel containing an unknown airbag. I guess you really never know an airbag until it deploys, but it seems sketchy (probably just because I'm a novice). Thoughts?
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I am with you here- Airbags are specifically engineered for the vehicle they're installed in. For example, those who swap in Celica steering wheels and bags into their 3rd Gens are running airbags engineered for a Celica's interior dimensions. Your arms rest in different places in these two vehicles, and the engineers develop airbags around all of these different parameters. These are just a couple.

I've wanted to swap in a Rav4 steering wheel in the past, with OEM audio controls, and this is the primary thing that has stopped me.

Someday if the truck ever becomes off-road only, I'll just go with harnesses and lose the airbags entirely.
 
I actually thought about this topic earlier in the year when my airbag light started blinking. Turns out I have an open on right side circuit. I chased it for a minute but stopped when I found out that as long as that light is blinking the airbags won't deploy. Risky I know. But that's when the thought of 21 year old airbags popping and whether I wanted that to happen or not. Is it worth replacing for the cost? Idk. Did I just put a price on my life? Yes. Even if I didnt have a fault in my system, would the 20 plus year old airbags deploy properly? One would hope so. Just cause the lights on and the bags won't deploy from a trigger to the system will that stop the bags from prematurely going off without system activation? I guess only time will tell...
 
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I think you can still buy new seat belts from Toyota if you want to. I just check then out. They start frying etc. Or if cut. I replace them. In my area the sun dosent destroy seat belts as it can in other areas of the world.

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brillo_76 said:
I think you can still buy new seat belts from Toyota if you want to. I just check then out. They start frying etc. Or if cut. I replace them. In my area the sun dosent destroy seat belts as it can in other areas of the world.
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You can - I got one from EB Toyota Parts. They had the best price & in stock / available.
p/n 73220-35471-E0 '98 Limited, Oak color, drivers
 
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