crackling, loose bolt sounding noise behind airbag

[MBGT02]

so in my 02 gt when im going slow and go over a slight bump or even rev my car up a little to get going it sounds like theres a brace or something behind my airbag with a loose bolt. it just rattles and drives me crazy!!!! idk how id even get back there to check?

 

[nancygrl]

Well the airbag is held on with 2 small bolts. The bolts that are behind 2 caps that you access from the sides of the steering wheel. But if it's not that and the steering wheel itself is tight, it might be the rack n pinion bushings that are worn (common problem).

 

[MBGT02]

its actually on the passenger side lol i tried getting in there yesterday theres no room anyway and i dont want to deploy the airbag haha

 

[trombonedemon]

its actually on the passenger side lol i tried getting in there yesterday theres no room anyway and i dont want to deploy the airbag haha

Welcome to the world of SN-95 stangs, cracks, creaks, clunks, and whistles.

 

[MBGT02]

so true man. haha

 

[nancygrl]

Ah...sorry. Ummm.....yep there's all sorts of noises with our SN-95's as stated above. Hey I found a procedure to remove the thing. It should at least help you get at the airbag and see what's going on back there, Hope it helps.


Module, Passenger Side Air Bag Removal
1.Disconnect battery ground cable (14301).
2.Wait one minute for back-up power supply energy to be depleted.
3.Open glove compartment (06010). Drop glove compartment to the floor by pushing sides of glove compartment towards each other.
4.Remove two screws that attach RH A/C duct and remove duct.
5.Remove two fore-aft air bag retaining bolts that attach passenger side air bag module (044A74) to instrument panel steel reinforcement.
6.Disconnect air bag electrical connector on LH lower rear corner of passenger side air bag module.
7.Remove air bag connector from steel reinforcement by prying "X-mas" tree out of hole in steel reinforcement.
8.Pull each corner of air bag cover to disengage cover-to-instrument panel attachments.
WARNING: PLACE AIR BAG MODULE ON BENCH WITH TRIM COVER FACING UP TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY.

9.Gently push passenger side air bag module from behind, out of the instrument panel opening in order to pull passenger side air bag module out completely with both hands.