Re: Airbag longevity

[Steve Manning <stephenm@ix.netcom.com>]

At 02:17 PM 6/23/96 EDT, you wrote:
>Hi all,
>Does anyone know of any research into Airbag lifespans.  How long do they last
>in the wheel?  How does one know that a car 7 years old has a functional bag
>(um.. er.. someone like me for example).  For that matter, how about seatbelt
>material...
>
>TIA 
>
>Randy...
>

Only reference I've seen to this was from BMW; I had an M6 w/airbag that was
specifically stated as part of the service that the airbag must be inspected
for function after 10 years.  Don't know if they still say that.

As for seatbelt material, I would take a hint from what the NHRA
requires...seatbelts must be dated, and must always be less than 3 (if I
remember right) years old.  Of course, those are extreme conditions, but the
material is definitely less effective w/age........SLM

Steve Manning:	stephenm@ix.netcom.com (Metro D.C. area, USA)
	Mopar:	'67 & '68 Plymouth Furys (big blocks)
		'70 Barracuda convertible (small block)
		'87 GLHS (tiny block)
	Audi:	Two '88 90Q's (built on the same day)
	Misc:	'73 Ford Country Squire wagon (daily driver!); other stuff...