Bubbles on air bag cover

Its simple. But playing with airbags is best left to the pros.

 

it's pretty easy. You need to turn off the power, first and foremost. There are 2 torx "special" screws that hold the steering wheel air bag in place. Once you have that correct torx "tamper proof" tool you can remove the air bag. The glove box air bag is easier because it uses standard metric sockets.

 

I read these problems all the time, and obviously many cars need replacing the leather when it stretches beyond help and such. But, with something described as a bubble; has anyone been adventurous enough to try a hypodermic syringe with an auto glue or 3M type substance and hair dryer to shrink it? I know it has worked for me over the years with various headliners in cars. ( but I guess some smart ass would see the needle track marks on your car and send you to a methadone clinic)

I guess there may be a possible risk of staining the leather, but if the only other option is a full replacement, it might me worth a try.

As to the dreaded rear carpet sag in 550s, I have always suspected that driving fast with the windows down to hear the engine has only helped the problem of the factory glue failure already addressed in previous post. Thankfully mine is fine as of yet, but anyone of our vehicles is going to need be dealt with at some point if they ever see sunshine as the heat and sun are the root of the problem. My 2 cents.

 

The thin leather covering the airbag is attached a certain way at the periphery to insure proper airbag deployment. As mentioned before, it's best left to the pros.

Barry

 

When mine was done when I first got the car, thanks to a nice dealer leaving it baking in the mid day summer sun for days (even though I asked them to cover it), it was a straight forward isolate the electrics, couple of screws behind the steering wheel and remove airbag disconnecting connecting cable, reverse to refit.

My understanding is that the face you see nicely covered in leather simply flips up when the airbag goes off, so the leather has nothing to do with the airbag deploying...unless you got very messy with the glue and stuck the flap itself down. So carefully fold back the leather, apply a good layer of correct and decent glue, and fold back into place removing the airbubbles. For what it is worth, I would remove the whole leather cover if possible and restick, as mine needs redoing where it was peeled back to half way on the cover, and now there is a line of air bubbles going across the airbag cover where this was peeled back to...I assume where the bond is not as good as either side. Ideally do not turn on the electrics though until all is back in place correctly, just in case your airbag ecu does a funny checksum when it powers up and then locks itself...at which point it's a paperweight most likely.

Hope that helps, that was my experience when the shop did it and i stood there, took all of 30mins to do and personally I would have no issues with now redoing this myself.

 

I have a 360 and it was very straightforward. Airbag was easy to remove, just cut off power first. I just pulled the leahter back and cleaned the surface and used 3M adhesive to stretch the leather back over the plastic. Not a big deal at all, jsut follow instructions on adhesive can and mine turned out like new. Hope this helps!

 

Got tired of looking at the bubbles and decided to do something about it. Instructions here and elsewhere on the board were helpful. My steps:
Step 1: Lower the windows. Do this because when you disconnect the battery, all power is off and you want the window glass down so that you may open and shut the doors.
Step 2. Disconnect the battery by turning the knob mounted on the inner front fender just adjacent to the battery compartment.
Step 3. Verify that power is off...i.e. no flashing lights on dash. No map lights etc.
Step 4. Put away the key and do not reconnect the battery or turn on the ignition switch until the airbag has been reinstalled. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/129689-airbag-warning-light-after-removing-instrument-cluster.html
Step 5 . Remove the two tamper proof torx screws on the back of the steering wheel.
Step 6. Lift off the airbag and gently disconnect the wire. The pin connector pulls straight out.
Step 7. Place the airbag on the workbench. Examine the unit and see how the leather is fitted under the perimeter.
Step 8. Find a loose edge and start peeling. Mine came right up. Do not stretch or tear the leather. Surprisingly little factory adhesive appeared on my airbag. Observe that the center button appears to be a rather permanent fixture. It looked like trouble and for once I stayed out of trouble by leaving the button alone.
Step 9. Relax and enjoy the uneventful procedure. The fun part comes next. Need to get the right adhesive and a plastic butter knife or similar tool to firmly tuck the leather back into place. Will finish the job tomorrow. Here are some photos of tonight's progress.
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I always loved not being able to see out of my rear view mirror.

Just gotta find that sweet spot.

 

My local restoration shop suggested upholstery adhesive. I painted in on with a brush, then let it set for a few minutes, and applied pressure evenly. Net effect is satisfactory as expected. Positioned the airbag on the steering wheel and reconnected the wire and fastened the torx screws.

Then I reconnected the battery and turned on the ignition a couple of times. Airbag light was extinguished in all cases. Didn't fire her up this late but at least it looks good and no warning lights.

BTW, regarding the procedure for disconnecting the airbag wiring connector.... after disconnecting the battery I waited a few hours (as suggested elsewhere) before disconnecting the airbag wiring connector.
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Thanks Terry, very helpful step by step explanation !

Bert

 

Great writeup. Can you expand on the adhesive you used - brand and where you acquired it?

 

Owner of local restoration shop I frequent poured me some of what he had into a plastic container. His container was unmarked. Said he got it from his outside upholstery guy. Those unmarked containers! Perhaps it's something like this: 1 Gal. DAP Weldwood HHR Contact Cement (not sold in California!!)

Terry in LA

 

The headliner in my old Rover Classic sags so bad, I just hit my turn signal and change lanes anyway.

When someone sees that heap of aluminum coming into their lane, they just get out of your way.

 

Maybe you could go to a Frat house on a Sunday morning and scrape up some of that junk off the dance floor?

I never have run across anything stickier than a Frat house floor on a Sunday morning.

 

I still think the call is to swap the wheel out for the GranSport one and change the center cap.

Same wheel with a flat bottom and CF, FTW!

 

Chain Steering Wheel | eBay

just an idea

 

Wow, great input as always guys! Much appreciated. Can't wait to take care of this next weekend!