Warning: The vehicles described in this manual are equipped with a passive restraint system (SRS), also known as an air spring system. Before carrying out work in the area where the elements of this system are located, turn off its power (see chapter 12), as accidental deployment of airbags may result in serious injury.
Removal
1. Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels are aligned in a straight direction. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the SRS as described in chapter 12.
3. Insert a screwdriver into the hole in the spring clip of the air spring (see illustrations) and press the spring aside to release the pin. Using the same method, disconnect the pin located on the other side of the steering wheel.
16.3a. To remove the pins that secure the SRS airbag to the steering wheel, you need to insert a screwdriver into the holes located on the sides of the steering wheel...
16.3b....and push each spring clip aside to release the pin (There is one pin on each side of the steering wheel); for clarity, shown with the steering wheel removed
4. Pry the connector lock and disconnect the yellow plug from the air spring (see illustration). Place the pillow in a safe, isolated place, facing up.
16.4. Pry up the connector retainer, then disconnect the connector from the SRS cushion
Warning: When carrying the air bag unit, do not turn the side with the facing casing towards you. Store the unit in a safe place with the facing facing up.
5. Place the steering wheel in the center position.
6. Push the signal rod in completely, then turn it a quarter turn and remove it from the steering wheel (see illustration). Disconnect the electrical connector from the steering wheel.
16.6. Remove the signal rod and disconnect the steering wheel electrical connector
7. Unscrew the fastening nut and, if necessary, mark the original relative position of the steering wheel and shaft (see illustration).
16.7. Inspect the steering wheel and shaft for alignment marks; if they are missing, apply them yourself
8. Using a special puller, disconnect the steering wheel from the shaft.
Warning: When removing, do not hit the steering wheel or puller with a hammer.
9. Remove the steering wheel from the column shaft.
Warning: Do not allow the shaft to rotate with the steering wheel removed. When turning the shaft, the centering of the spring contact of the air spring will fail, which may lead to the rupture of the internal wire during subsequent operation of the vehicle.
Installation
Warning: The spring contact is a band mechanism that provides continuous power to the air bag regardless of steering wheel rotation. If the alignment of the spring contact is disturbed, it may fail during subsequent operation.
Note: If you do not intend to replace the steering column, do not remove the spring contact. The spring contact does not require alignment if the central hub was kept stationary when the steering wheel was removed, or the spring was not removed from the column. If the spring contact has been removed and the marks are not aligned, perform the following alignment procedure.
10. Before installing the steering wheel, make sure the spring contact is centered.
Note: on the described models, two designs of air spring contact are used. One type has a centering window on the front; This design does not provide for the presence of a fixation pin on the reverse side. The other type of contacts does not have a window. but there is a pin on the reverse side (see illustrations).
16.10a. If on models with a locking lug, with the spring contact centered, the arrow on the body aligns with the arrow on the hub
16.10b. On the spring contact with the centering window, alignment is confirmed by the fact that the window (A) has a yellow color, the idea of an arrow (IN) combined
11. If the spring contact of the air spring is not centered, remove the steering column covers (see chapter 11). Remove the retaining ring (see illustration), then remove the spring contact from the column. You can cut the plastic clamp that secures the spring contact wiring harness to the steering column.
16.11. The spring contact is secured to the steering column shaft with a retaining ring
12. If the spring contact has a window on the front and no pin on the back, turn it face up and turn the hub clockwise until it stops (do not use excessive force). After this, slowly turn the hub counterclockwise at least two turns until the window turns yellow and the arrows on the body and hub line up (see illustration 16.10b). Proceed to procedure sp. 14.
13. If the spring contact does not have a window on the front, turn it over and press in the spring retainer located on the reverse side, then turn the hub until it stops in the direction of the arrow marked on the housing (don't put in too much effort). After this, turn the hub in the opposite direction 2.5 turns and disconnect the fixing tab (see illustration). Proceed to the procedure from the next point.
6.13. If the spring contact has a retaining tab, turn it over and press in the spring retainer located on the reverse side, then turn the hub until it stops in the direction of the arrow. After this, turn the hub in the opposite direction 2.5 turns
14. Install the spring contact and retaining ring. Secure the wiring harness with a new clamp so that the wire does not become twisted on the steering column. Also install the steering column covers.
15. Having aligned the relative position marks, install the steering wheel on the shaft.
16. Install and tighten the steering wheel nut to the required torque.
17. Connect the signal wire, press the plunger in and turn counterclockwise to lock.
18. Connect the connector to the socket located on the back of the air spring unit. Make sure the connector is securely fastened.
19. Place the air spring in the steering wheel and press it until the pins engage in the spring clips.
20. Activate the SRS as described in chapter 12.