Airbag Steering Wheel Removal

[Michael, Dave]

Whoa

Hold on here. There is a specific procedure in the Bentley that you need to
follow. Failure to do so may not set off the airbag, but it may destroy the
airbag clock spring. The procedure I know is for a 1990 200, but should be
the same as a 100. The procedure, from what I remember, is as follows (use
at your one risk etc etc).

1. Make sure the wheels are pointing straight ahead. Remove key
2. Disconnect the airbag power connector. On my car, it is behind the side
trim panel on the center console. On a 1990 coupe Quattro it is behind a
small removable door on the drivers the knee crash pad under the dash.
3. Remove the 3 short screws that hold the padded trim piece below the
instrument cluster. Remove the trim piece .
4. Remove the two screws under the steering column that hold the plastic
trim piece on the top of the streering column. Remove the trim pice (step 3
allows you to do this)
5. IMPORTANT STEP: disconnect the red connector that is now visible on the
steering column. This is the connector for the spiral spring. If you do not
disconnect this, when you remove the steering wheel, you will pull the clock
spring apart.
6. Mark the shaft,  wheel and nut with a permanent marker
7. Remove the nut with a 20 (22? 24?) mm socket
8. Remove the wheel, being careful to guide the clock spring wire off the
top of the column trim. Place with the airbag facing up.
9. Remove the clamp ring screw from the hole in the bottom of the lower
column trim.  I think this will release the lower trim and column switch
assy.

DO NOT TURN ON THE IGNITION WITH THE AIR BAG REMOVED. IT WILL CAUSE YOUR
AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO THE DEALER TO GET IT
SHUT OFF.

Hope that helps

Dave
1990 200 quattro
189,000