This is a sectional view of the steering wheel impact absorber. At the bottom, embedded in a plastic covering, the steering wheel rim can be seen. Below the folded airbag, the empty gas generator is visible. The electric ignitor is installed in the hollow in the center. The propellant, made up of sodium azide, potassium nitrate and sand, pressed into tablet-form, is found in the ring-shaped channel. This provides for the quick development of nitrogen gas, which inflates the airbag with the releasing of heat. Consequentially, the metal rods on the way to the airbag, serve the purpose of cleaning and cooling.

The dismantling of the steering wheel impact absorber demands certain safety measures. These are stipulated by the vehicle manufacturer. E.g., the bridging of two electric contacts after pulling off of the plug- contacts may be necessary. Although the triggering of the airbag can help to save lives in the event of an accident, in the the case of an unwanted or faulty triggering, it can also endanger the life of the mechanic.

Once the dismantling or disconnecting has been successfully carried out, one can simulate the signal to the control device of the airbag or the seat-belt tensioners, which would be given in the event of an accident. We won't be publishing any resistance values here, to avoid the dishonest covering-up of any faults. One should also not attempt to measure it, because even the tension given up by the Ohm-meter can trigger the mechanism. What one can do, is test, using a small resistance, to see if the problem lies with the airbag or, e.g., with the wiring. 05/12