[Biturbos4] Instrument clusters, steering wheels, and airbags

[Grant]

Good morning all,

I want to remove my instrument cluster ('00 S4) to see if I can find 
any way to restore the dim and fading display (temp, computer, etc).  
I'm thinking connectors, contacts and a quick search for dying voltage 
regulators, which at least used to plague VW dashboards.  The Haynes 
book I have recommends that the steering wheel be removed, and first 
the airbag be removed.

I dont really want to get into all that unless its necessary.  So:

1.) Any advice?
2.) Must the steering wheel come off before the IC comes out?

Thanks,

Grant