How to replace airbags after an accident

How to replace airbags?

• How to replace airbags?
• Operating principle of SRS (a set of mechanisms and sensors)
• Reflashing or installing a new electronic unit
• Replacing faulty airbags
• Replacing the driver's airbag
• Replacing the passenger airbag
• Replacing shock sensors

The purpose of the airbag system (SRS) is to stabilize the position of occupants during a collision, preventing them from inertial movement and impacts in the cabin. Main components of the system: airbag control mechanisms, seat belts, sensors, control unit. Basically, airbags are located in the following parts of the body:

• Steering wheel hub and instrument panel - front airbags (ensure safety in the front seats). Protects the chest, shoulders and head.

• The side parts of the seat backs and door openings are side cushions. Protect the pelvic area.

• Floor, bottom of the instrument panel - lower (floor) cushions. Protects the leg area.

Operating principle of SRS (a set of mechanisms and sensors)

Today, there are no regulations that would allow us to establish uniform standards for the development of pillows. But developers are constantly improving the system for passenger safety. An airbag consists of a shell itself and a mechanism that inflates it. There is also a cable that connects the pillow to the squib.

When the system is triggered, the filler is supplied under strong pressure, under the influence of which the elements of the car interior are opened at the places where the pillows are installed. The system is only activated when the ignition key is in the "start" position.

Reflashing or installing a new electronic unit

Car airbag repair consists of the following steps:

1. Replacement of airbags.

2. SRS unit repair.

3. Removing the "AIRBAG" error.

After AIRBAG is triggered, the electronic unit stores the CRASH DATE. An error message appears on the dashboard indicating the need for AIRBAG repair. After replacing the airbag unit, you need to reflash the SRS to remove the data that the airbag has already deployed.

Due to the fact that the SRS unit stores information about the use of airbags in a memory cell, the information causes the warning indicator to illuminate. If you simply turn off the indicator, the equipment of your service center will read the information from the SRS unit, that is, it will recognize the emergency condition of the car. Even if you restore the integrity of the airbags, the SRS unit will display an alarm signal, and you will be offered to replace it with a new one, which is quite expensive. The unit must be replaced together with the old airbag - remove it, replace it with a new one and clean the CRASH DATA (airbag control data). If you do not reflash the electronic unit, the error will continue to be displayed and the unit will not work correctly.

Replacing faulty airbags

First, erase Crash Data from memory, or buy a new one. Many service centers perform memory erasing. In rare cases, a complete replacement of the airbag control unit is required. Then replace the sensors and check the wiring.

Most often, the wires on the steering column are damaged due to the activation of the squib. Next you need to replace the airbags themselves. Check the system. After turning on the ignition, the SRS light should light up and then turn off after 5-10 seconds. If something goes wrong, the unit needs to be checked for serviceability. In addition to installation/dismantling, to completely restore the airbags, perform the following actions:

1. Replace the dashboard (after an impact, fragments may affect operation)

2. Change the spring on the steering switch.

3. Replace the seat belt tensioners.

Just remember that airbag replacement is more reliable than rebuilding. Only she can guarantee the correct operation of the system.

Replacing the driver's airbag

Disconnect the battery terminals. This will ensure safe operation, and since the sensor will be disconnected, the on-board computer will not notice the disconnection. Otherwise, you will see an error, and the on-board computer will save this in memory.

1. To begin, unclip the central part and disconnect the contacts.

2. Disconnect the wires and insulate the battery terminals. Wait a couple of minutes for the SRS power supply capacitor to completely discharge.

3. Place the key in the ignition switch to position “I”.

4. Turn the steering wheel left or right 45°. You will see a hole in the latch at the back. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into this hole. Squeeze it all the way. Pull the screwdriver, press out the locking spring, and lift up the airbag module.

5. Turn the steering wheel to the right, do the same and squeeze out the other spring. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel.

6. Use a screwdriver to remove the safety clips and disconnect the module wiring connectors. Models manufactured before 2003 have one electrical connector. Move the module to a safe place with the cover facing up.

7. Install everything in reverse order. Do everything very carefully. When the module is installed, turn the ignition key to the “O” position. Connect the battery. While connecting the battery, you must not be inside the car.

8. Check the airbag system for serviceability by turning on the ignition.

Replacing the passenger airbag

The passenger airbag is more difficult to replace - most models are hidden behind the dashboard, and if triggered, they will probably damage the trim. First, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, wait a few minutes, then you can start working.

1. Remove the glove box.

2. Disconnect the airbag 4P connector from the connector on the wiring harness (control panel).

3. Remove the center panel.

4. Unscrew the fastening nuts. Cover the front side of the airbag and the control panel with a piece of cloth, carefully remove the airbag from the control panel (you need to pry it up with a screwdriver). The top cover of the pillow is attached to the control panel with latches.

Installing a new pillow:

1. Install the passenger's front airbag in its place on the control panel. Tighten the airbag mounting nuts.

2. Connect the 4P connector to the connector on the harness (located inside the control panel). Attach the center panel and glove box.

3. Connect the negative wire to the battery.

4. Check if everything works by turning the ignition key to the ON position. If the system is working properly, the SRS system indicator will turn on for about 5-6 seconds and go out.

To remove the dashboard, you need to release the latches once you have access to the center console. Then use a screwdriver to remove the radio and everything that is attached to the front console. The dashboard trim can often be damaged due to the cushion. Therefore, it is often necessary to completely change the entire panel. Also, in addition to a damaged steering wheel and dashboard, there may be problems with seat belts and the windshield of the car in the cabin.

Replacing shock sensors

Impact sensors in airbags are one of the main elements of the airbag system, the presence of which is visible on the markings (the inscription on the right side of the dashboard or steering wheel). The number of sensors may be different, and they can be located in the front and/or in the cabin. The impact sensor is activated during any type of collision (frontal, side).

The security system has various types of sensors. They may consist of:

• from inertial devices (electromechanical), which are based on the principle of a limit switch.

• from electronic elements (acceleration sensors of capacitor or piezoelectric type, and pressure sensor).

Typically the sensors are located in the engine compartment, bumper or armrests. The sensor's memory has pre-calculated parameters for the level of permissible impacts (depending on the model). Most often, the front system is programmed to impact at speeds from 25 to 50 km/h, and for the side ones - much less.

The sensor sends an alarm signal, which is redirected to the main module of the safety system connected to the gas generator. When the protection system is triggered, a light on the panel will light up, indicating the need to replace the system. If the power supply from the battery is interrupted, which often happens, the pillows are still inflated due to the capacitor in which the electrical charge has accumulated. Sometimes the red light may come on without the airbags deploying. The reasons may be:

• the shock sensor is broken;

• there is no or poor contact in the connector;

• the warning light on the instrument panel does not work;

• the fuse is replaced when the ignition is on;

• The instrument panel is faulty.

The shock sensor itself very rarely breaks. The contacts located at the safety unit connector may oxidize due to high humidity. For this reason, the resistance of the circuit changes and the sensor or airbag shows an incorrect signal. The cause may also be a broken wire; this often happens when applying sound insulation or other repair work. If the instrument panel goes out when the ignition is on, then the problem lies there.

You can reset the error by connecting to the electronic unit (using an adapter or a special scanner). It is advisable to periodically inspect accessible contacts and connections, monitor the integrity of the sensor and the condition of its connectors. The main thing is not to disconnect the circuit when the ignition is on. Do not remove fuses or clean connectors at this time.

You can buy an adapter or install a scanner program yourself. You should not ignore the sensor indicator, and it is better to solve the problem promptly, because in the event of an accident, the system may not work.

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How to replace airbags

We'll tell you how to properly replace an airbag, what pitfalls there may be when replacing it, and which parts besides the airbag itself additionally fail.

Airbags are considered an important safety item in a car. It is simply impossible to imagine a modern foreign car without such a security system, since most standards require it to be present even in basic trim levels. The security system is often referred to as AirBag or SRS. Some drivers think that airbags are deployed if you hit the car hard on the hood. But in reality this is not the case at all; they are triggered in a hard collision and at a speed of more than 30 km/h. It is at such a moment that the car receives negative movement, which is recorded by special sensors.

The entire security system consists not only of a fabric ball that is filled with compressed air, but also of a number of sensors, sensors, an on-board computer and a control unit. Therefore, it will not be possible to get by with replacing just one cushion on the steering wheel.

General tips for replacing SRS

If you are weak in electronics, then I will immediately say that you should not start this business yourself, you will not be able to get by with just unscrewing the bolts and replacing it with a new part; you will have to rearrange the sensors and flash the control unit.

The on-board computer has its own nuances, and when the airbag is deployed, the on-board computer records an error in its memory. Therefore, it will also have to be replaced entirely, if not flashed.

Let's consider the replacement process itself, when the impact falls on the front or rear bumper; these are the situations that arise most often. To do this, we will need to replace two airbags, the driver's on the steering wheel and the passenger's.

Replacing the driver's airbag

First, disconnect the battery terminals. This is done not only to ensure safe operation, but also when you change the airbag, the sensor will be turned off at this time and the on-board computer will perceive it as if the damaged one was never disconnected. Otherwise, it will generate an error and the on-board computer will record this in memory. The steering wheel pad is easy to change; you just need to snap off the central part, disconnect the contacts and install a new one, putting everything back together in reverse order.

Replacing the passenger airbag

Disassembly should begin with the steering wheel. This is where the most exposed parts, bolts and latches are located. Remove the steering wheel cover and unscrew the airbag on the steering wheel, regardless of whether it worked or not. Under it there is a fastening bolt for the steering wheel itself; after unscrewing it, we can remove the steering wheel. Having removed the steering wheel, we move on to the lower part of the protection above the pedals. To do this, you will have to unscrew the latches around the perimeter and several bolts under the steering wheel casing. By removing the protection, you can easily access both the on-board computer and the center console.

Now we get access to the center console, most of it is held on by latches from the inside, by prying it with a screwdriver you can pull out the radio and everything that is held on the front console can now be easily removed from the dashboard.

It often happens that the cushion damages the trim of the dashboard, so the entire panel will have to be replaced; we are considering the case when only the cushion itself needs to be changed. It is important to remove the panel carefully, as you can damage the trim or fasteners; be prepared immediately that the foreign car will have a lot of fasteners and latches to remove the panel. It is best to carry out this procedure indoors or in a garage, since you can’t invest a couple of hours in time; sometimes it takes several days, considering that the damaged bumper will also need to be replaced. After removing the torpedo, we proceed to replacing the airbag, since these models provided for the case of replacing the airbags without replacing the torpedo.

Having disconnected the wires, remove the airbag mechanism, install the new airbag mechanism in the reverse order and connect the wires.

On average, a driver's airbag costs about $250 to $400, a passenger airbag costs from $300 to $400, it all depends on the year of manufacture of the car. Some services offer airbag repair and replacement services; such work costs 3,000–7,000 rubles for a passenger airbag, and repair of a driver’s airbag (steering wheel with squib) costs 5,000–12,000 rubles.

Here is the price list of a Moscow auto shop with prices for AirBag repair services (prices as of April 28, 2015):

• repair of dashboard dashboard from 10,000 to 12,000 rubles
• replacing a squib in a dashboard from 4000 to 5000 rubles
• seat belt repair 1500 rubles
• driver airbag repair 3000 rubles
• replacement of the driver's squib from 4000 to 5000 rubles
• repair of the airbag control unit from 3000 to 5000 rubles

After replacing all the sensors, deployed airbags and other damaged parts, you should not rush to put the torpedo back together, since you still have to deal with the on-board computer, you will have two options for solving the problem:

The first is a complete replacement of the on-board computer with a new one. The cost of a new one will cost about $1000.

The second option is to flash new software; at reputable service stations, the cost of such firmware can range from $100 to $200, but it does not guarantee that it will work even when there was no impact.

The cost of a complete car repair, including replacement of airbags and other damaged parts, largely depends on the nature of the damage and usually starts at $1,000.

If you decide to flash your computer at home, then for this you will need a laptop, special software specifically for the make and model of your car, a cord to connect the laptop to the on-board computer, and good knowledge of how to use a computer. This is worth starting if you plan to repair and replace SRS airbags in the future, since the cost of one cord can start from $50, not to mention software or a laptop. The firmware process itself is not worth describing, since it is unique for each car model.

The whole point is to replace the software in the unit; in new foreign cars, I would still advise replacing the unit completely, since the response sensor is disposable, even if you do the whole procedure correctly, you will not get the result you want. That is, next time the airbags may not work. For more reliable operation and testing, I would advise you to first assemble everything on old pillows with a fresh control unit and a reset error in the on-board computer. In this case, everything should work as before, the AirBag indicator on the instrument panel should not blink, but if something is wrong, the indicator will show an error in the operation of the airbags.

If the firmware was successfully installed, then you can safely assemble everything in the reverse order, you will definitely save a lot of money than what you would have to pay at the service center, but for this you will need to re-read a lot and tinker around the car.

The hardest part is updating the on-board computer's firmware, especially in new cars, where it is in full control of the car.

Video with expert advice on how to replace airbags:

DIY airbag replacement

Safety is an important part and airbags play a very high role in it. Here we will discuss how to replace them. We have to do this either because of a malfunction, or because an accident has already happened, the airbags have fired and now we need to install new ones.

Content:

Many drivers are confident that the airbags will work even in a minor collision, but in fact they will only work in a hard collision at a speed above 30 km/h. The point is that there are negative sensors that control the shot.

In general, the entire mechanism consists of a large number of sensors, so you will not be able to replace only the fabric; you will have to change some sensors.

If you have a good understanding of cars, and most importantly, electronics, then you can do this, but if you have little knowledge, then it’s better to contact a service center. The fact is that you will have to work with sensors and do firmware.

You will also need to flash the on-board computer, which remembers the impact and stores it in its memory. In some models, the gearbox goes into emergency mode, and some are flashed only to say on the secondary market that the car is not damaged.

We'll talk about replacing front airbags, which are most often deployed in front or rear impacts. These types of accidents occur most often and therefore we will discuss this particular type of airbag.

Changing the driver's airbag

Changing the steering wheel is not that difficult, but before doing this you need to disconnect the terminals from the battery. Firstly, this will ensure the safety of work, and secondly, the sensor will be turned off and the on-board computer will not think that removal was carried out.

Otherwise, the on-board driver will record an error. Your task is to remove the central part of the steering column, disconnect all the contacts and remove the cushions, and therefore install a new one in the reverse order.

Change the passenger airbag

Here everything is a little more complicated, the fact is that in most cars the airbag is located behind the dashboard panel. Most often, after a shot, the casing deteriorates. On some cars, the system is attached to the car frame and to replace it you have to remove the dashboard panel.

The first thing you need to do is remove the cover from the steering wheel and remove the airbags, even if they are in good condition. You also need to unscrew the mounting bolt and remove the steering wheel itself. Afterwards, you can see a few more bolts above the pedals; they also need to be unscrewed, this will give you the opportunity to get to the center console.

Next, you need to release the latches using a screwdriver on the center console. This will help you remove the head unit and everything else. After disconnecting all this, you can remove the dashboard panel, but you need to do this carefully.

If the panel was damaged, and this happens on some cars, then unfortunately you will have to replace the panel. In this case, we will only consider replacing the pillow if the panel is intact. It is necessary to remove the panel carefully so as not to damage it, fasteners and the pillow itself. If you have a foreign car, then there will be a lot of fasteners, keep an eye on this.

It is advisable to do everything in a garage with lighting, since the procedure is not quick, sometimes you will have to spend a couple of days. It’s also worth remembering that after an accident you have damage to the body that also needs to be fixed, but more on that later.

Remember, seat belts, windshield and some other car parts most likely require repair.

Your task is to remove, disconnect all suitable wires and dismantle the mechanism itself. Then you need to install everything new, but in reverse order. But it’s worth remembering that it’s not worth getting into if you don’t understand car electronics.

How much is it?

All this will not be cheap; on average, a pillow costs 15,000 rubles for both driver and passenger. Of course, if you have an old car or a very budget one, everything will cost much less.

Also, all the necessary work can be done at a service center; the replacement procedure itself will cost about 5,000 rubles, also depending on the car.

Let's move on

So, you have installed everything, but there is no need to assemble the dashboard panel, because your task is still to work on the on-board computer. You can just buy a new one, it will cost you about 50,000 rubles, but it’s a little expensive. You can go to a service center and flash an old computer; it will cost 5 times less, but there is no guarantee that everything will be fine.

As a result, the cost of all procedures in total is quite high, if you do everything to the minimum, then everything will cost about 50,000 rubles, and if you do everything efficiently, it can easily go over 100 thousand.

Self-firmware

In order to do this, you need to take a computer; a laptop will be much more convenient. You will also need to buy or somehow find software for your car. And you will also need a special cable.

It’s better, of course, not to do this, since the cable costs about 3 thousand, and the software is also not cheap. If you still have all this, then, of course, it will be cheaper to do it yourself, but if not, then it’s better to go to a service center.

Your task is simply to replace the old program with a new one, but if you have a new car, then it would be much more correct to install a new on-board driver. The fact is that the regulation sensor is disposable and it is not a fact that everything will be perfect when flashing the old one. To check, you can connect the old airbags and see if the error icon on the instrument panel disappears; if so, then you can connect new ones.

If you do not check the system as described above, then there is a chance that when you connect new ones they will immediately fire and you will have to change them again, and all this is expensive.

Nuances and conclusion

In general, there are not so many of them, cars are different, so the system for installing cushions and attaching the dashboard panel can be different. Otherwise, the essence is approximately the same for all. For example, in the 2nd generation Ford Focus you do not need to disconnect the battery, because you can remove the required fuse from the mounting block and wait 15 minutes.

If everything went well, then your task is to reinstall the dashboard panel and put everything else back to its original state. Replacing it yourself can save you a significant amount of money and time. There is nothing complicated about it except fiddling with the on-board computer.

Airbags: repair and restoration of triggered SRS elements

Has the airbag deployed? Have you bought a car and found a plug instead? What to do in such situations? Many car enthusiasts mistakenly believe that they can limit themselves to simple replacement or packaging. Everything is much more complicated. Repairing airbags is a troublesome and even dangerous task. First, there is a risk of tripping during installation. Secondly, if something is missed, then performance in the event of an accident is not guaranteed.

You cannot skimp on your safety!

Principle of operation

The security unit was developed in the middle of the last century. With the introduction of electronics, it has undergone some changes, but the principle of operation has remained virtually unchanged. Automakers do not adhere to any standards; moreover, many of them use their own developments.

At first glance, this appears to imply a narrow specification of the constituent parts. In fact, everything is just the opposite. Main components of the block:

• a set of sensors;
• airbags;
• SRS unit;
• wiring;
• lamp on the instrument panel;
• squib;
• belt tensioners.

The general principle has remained unchanged for many years. And this is what he looks like.

1. When an impact occurs, sensors are activated - there can be up to 10 or even 15 of them. They transmit information to the SRS unit about the location and force of the impact.
2. The electronic unit processes this information. Taking into account the side of the impact and the number of passengers, it sends a signal to activate the airbag and belt.
3. The squib fires and the airbag covers are knocked out.
4. Bleeding air through a special valve or hole.

In addition to the points listed above, it is necessary to clarify one point. When the airbags deploy, Crash Data is recorded in the electronic unit. After this it stops functioning.

Repair and possible risks

As already mentioned, it is not enough to simply put another pillow. It won't function. For proper operation, the following activities will be required.

1. Replacing shock sensors.
2. Reflashing or installing a new SRS electronic unit.
3. Check and possible replacement of all wiring of the unit.
4. Replacing airbags that were deployed upon impact.

If it is not possible to find original components, then you should not despair. Almost every car service center will be able to fit elements from available manufacturers to the car. But there is nothing better than the original.

If an electronic module breaks down, then when purchasing replacements, you need to take into account the number of airbags in the car and the unit. They must match completely.

Removing and installing airbags is a hazardous task. It is important to take all precautions. What can happen? It's all about the firing of the squib.

The speed at which the airbag flies out is approximately 200 km/h, and on some models even 300. It is easy to imagine the consequences of such an impact during installation or dismantling.

What should you do to protect yourself?

1. Disconnect the unit from the battery so that it does not accidentally give an activation signal.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes - during this time the internal energy reserve will be exhausted.
3. Disconnect and remove the block.
4. Be as careful as possible when removing and installing the cushions.
5. Never keep your head in front of the steering wheel, and therefore the pillow.

The use of metal tools should be minimized whenever possible to avoid short circuits and tripping. You need to be no less careful when working with a squib. Essentially, it's a small explosive. Mixing the elements creates a thermal reaction and explosion.

Replacing faulty airbags

The first thing you need to start with is erasing Crash Data from memory. Manufacturers suggest replacing it with a new electronic unit, but its price is quite high and not everyone can afford it.

The second option is to contact a service center. Many of them carry out memory erasing. This procedure is almost always possible, but there are cases when only a complete replacement is necessary.

Step two is to replace the sensors and check the wiring. Very often, when triggered, the wires on the steering column are damaged. This is explained by the activation of the same squib.

The repair of airbags is completed by replacing them. After this, you can check the system. When you turn on the ignition, the SRS light should come on. After burning for 5-10 seconds, it turns off. If this does not happen, then the electronic unit will need to be checked to ensure it is fully operational. This is basically where the action ends - the restoration of the airbags is complete.

From words to deeds

How to remove the airbag? If difficulties do not deter you, then let’s look at the procedure for installing/removing the airbag from the steering wheel on your own.

The procedure is as follows.

1. Adjust the steering wheel for comfortable operation. Lower it as far as possible and pull it out.
2. Turn the steering wheel left/right. On the back of the steering wheel you will notice a hole in which the latch is located.
3. Insert a screwdriver into this hole and lift up the mount.
4. Repeat the procedure for the second side.
5. Pull the detached cushion forward slightly. Disconnect the wires on the steering wheel.

All. Installation of new elements is carried out in the reverse order.

Note

To completely restore security, you will need to do some more manipulations.

1. Replace the torpedo - deformation and fragments after the impact can affect the operation.
2. Replace the steering switch spring.
3. Replace belt tensioners.

In conclusion, I would like to add a few tips. The first is that replacement is more reliable than reconfiguration. Only complete replacement of all active components guarantees correct operation of the system. Second, recovery from an impact is not done halfway. This may reduce the likelihood of operation in emergency situations and reduce safety. Third, when purchasing analogues, you need to make sure that they are fully compatible with a specific car.

Instead of a pillow, put a “fake” one or restore it? All about auto security system repair

Study, study and study again. We decided to launch a new project, “School of Outbuying,” during which we plan to learn all aspects of “preparing a car for sale.” After all, cars also “sell their face,” and the first impression is 90% of success. This simple rule is used by everyone: both those who give a worthy product an appropriate appearance before selling, and those who wrap a bucket on wheels in a beautiful wrapper.

Related materials:

Today we’ll talk about restoring the security system together with specialist Andrey . He has been repairing airbags and restoring panels for many years. Now he is working on restoring Tesla's safety.

- Everything can be restored, right?

“Today, technologies and materials have reached such levels that it is possible to completely restore the functionality of the car’s safety system. We managed to arrange supplies of the main component of any airbag - squibs. There are more than 270 species in my catalog. Today, everything for restoring safety systems is produced in China: steering wheel covers, cushions, reupholstery materials, special soft putties, etc. Now all this has become much cheaper than before, so restoration makes sense.

— What is the quality of Chinese parts for restoring safety? What are the guarantees that the airbags will work after restoration?

— No manufacturer gives a 100% guarantee that the airbags will work. Even in a new car with no accident history, the airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident. Parts come from China, sometimes of good quality, sometimes a little worse, and sometimes even “original”. There may be some kind of plastic chip inside the lid. Everything is beautiful on the outside, but the inside is a mess. This does not affect the shot, just a minor nuance. The Chinese do everything, even on the Ford Mustang. As for the shot, I checked - everything works. I don't see anything wrong with the restoration. All materials are intended for this. Why shouldn't it work? The same squibs supplied to automobile factories initially come from the Chinese market. I give a one-year guarantee for the restoration of the panel so that a person can be convinced that no problems arise with it during both hot and cold periods.

— What do people usually want—appearance or system restoration?

— It’s hard to say for everyone, I can only talk about myself: I specialize in restoring the safety systems of new cars. Nowadays there are a lot of cars from the USA - I mainly work with them, this is my specialization. There are also orders to restore only the appearance of deployed airbags. That is, you can pull it under the shot, or not under the shot. To keep the light off, the security system control unit is reflashed. The microcircuit is desoldered, the information that there was an impact is cleared. Placed in place. Instead of pillows there are dupes. But I rarely make such orders. The service is popular, but not with me. The very tough “outbidders” who ask to reupholster the panel with the cheapest leatherette for $8 per meter have been eliminated. With a normal system recovery, of course, the costs are different. For example, reupholstering a steering wheel costs $30, and the price of a new cover, the appearance of which you can’t fault, costs $40. All the same, “outbidders” sometimes save these 10 dollars and tighten the steering wheel. Naturally, there is no talk of restoring the pillow. Once upon a time there was a client for whom, after a minor accident, I restored a panel with a pillow. He asked not to connect the airbag, citing the fact that in the event of a minor accident he did not want to repair the panel again. What if the accident is serious? What is the point of such a renovation?

— Previously, 1 out of 30 people restored pillows, now every 10th person completely or partially restored them. Accordingly, 9 out of 10 cars drive with the safety lights turned off. It is mainly the owners of the cars who restore it, “outbid” - depending on the person. There are sellers who restore conscientiously, but there are also those who do purely appearance.

— After restoring the appearance and installing the decoys, is it possible to somehow find out that an accident occurred?

— A Ford Fusion once came to see me after being diagnosed by the “officials.” The man thought that his safety was in order, but during the technical inspection they pulled the belt - it did not lock! That is, when unlocking the belt after an accident, unnecessary parts were removed from the mechanism. I looked - and I have a trained eye - it was clear that the appearance of the interior was restored after the accident, 8 out of 8 airbags were shot. That is, sometimes even experts do not see that there are actually no pillows. But those who are engaged in the restoration of pillows will immediately notice this by a number of signs. The stitching is not factory, for example. Or the ceiling is broken.

— What is included in the restoration?

— We are changing the cushion in the steering wheel. Sometimes the bag itself does not need to be changed, only if it is torn. A new squib is installed, new chips are installed (the old ones are melted), the cover on the steering wheel is changed. There is no point in re-tightening it: $30 for a re-tightening, $40 for a new cover. What is the point? In total, restoring the steering wheel costs about $90: $50 for the squib, $40 for the cover. The bag itself most often does not need to be changed, only if it is cut. Restoring the panel - reupholstering or puttying if the panel is soft. It also changes the lid and the squib. This is about 200 dollars plus removal and installation 70. Side ones - 60-80 dollars. It costs $30 to remove and install the ceiling. It happens that the ceiling breaks, like on the same Buick, you have to retighten it - it costs 120 dollars for the ceiling. Knee pads - 60 dollars if you don't need to tighten them, 100 - if you need to. Restore belts - $40. True, not everyone does. More often they ask to simply unblock. But in vain: in the event of an accident, a belt without a squib will not press the driver to the seat. If a person separately brings parts for restoring the steering airbag from a well-known Chinese site, it costs $10 to collect, and it takes 5 minutes. As for reupholstering the panels, the materials are inexpensive, but the work takes a long time - 7-10 days. There is not just one panel; there are often several at work. The nuance is that when restoring a soft panel, you need to wait until the putty “settles.”

— I heard that panels are repaired with putty, which can injure a passenger in an accident...

— Today, for the repair of “soft” panels, a special “soft” putty has appeared, and from China. It has nothing to do with automotive putties. When it hardens, it looks like dense foam rubber and does not cause harm to a person when the airbag is deployed. The material used to reupholster dashboards and other airbags is baseless PVC film, which is only 0.7 millimeters thick, which allows it to tear easily. And 99 out of 100 people will not notice that anything has changed.

— What about the shock sensors? Where are they located?

— Shock sensors are accelerometers that measure overloads. If they are physically intact, then they do not need to be changed, especially since the airbag unit, when the ignition is turned on, diagnoses the entire system. If the light goes out, then everything is fine. Where they are located is different in each car. For a frontal impact - on the TV, for a side impact - in the racks. It happens that there are no sensors; they are built into the Airbag unit.

— What are the features of restoring the security systems of Russian public sector employees?

“They often don’t have squibs in their seat belts.” And it’s good if there are two pillows. In the same Renault it happens that there is only one. There are a lot of these cars, everything is available at the “showdown”. Therefore, restoring security is inexpensive. In the same Polo, for example, you don’t even need to drag the panel. The glove box opens up, two bolts are unscrewed and the airbag is replaced. The block is reusable - you can hit the car up to three times. Restoring two Polo airbags will cost about 200 dollars, to do purely the appearance - 100. It is better not to regret these 100 dollars, but to make the car safer.

— How much does it cost to restore the “American”?

— If averaged, then about 650 dollars. This includes repairing the unit, front and knee airbags, and restoring belts. Side pillows - depending on what was used: if there are two upper ones - plus 160, two in the chairs - plus 120 dollars. It may be cheaper on a Ford Fusion: there are too many of them, there are car kits - it’s easier to take “used” parts. It costs $300 to do a pure exterior look. That is, it is half the price, but the car drives without airbags. Previously, prices were much higher.

— Is it possible to restore the security system in an old car?

— It is possible, and much cheaper than restoring security in fresh “Americans.” The “showdown” stores now have everything at very reasonable prices. For example, restoring the safety of an Opel Astra H with used spare parts costs about $300. I often don’t even take on such orders. How difficult is it to change an airbag? But with new cars there are some nuances: not everything is available at the “dismantling shop”, and what is available is expensive. Therefore it has to be restored. It's not as expensive now as it used to be, so it makes sense. And why save on your life?

Yuri GLADCHUK
Photo by
ABW.BY

The editors thank mi-7.by specialists for their assistance in preparing the material

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