6R GTI airbag removal

[mintyman]

Hello, I'm really struggling to remove my the airbag on my 2011 Polo GTI.

The goal is to replace a faulty steering angle sensor, so first I'm trying to remove the airbag. I have disconnected the battery and removed the top cowling from the steering column.

I understand there are two springy metal clips on the back of the steering wheel that need to be undone, one on each side. I can use a flathead screwdriver to push each clip all the way down, but (1) they won't "pop out" and (2) the airbag will not pull out either.

Any ideas? Is there a better tool for the job? Am I missing something else that needs to be unscrewed or unclipped? I've seen a few youtube videos that make it look quite straightforward, but none that apply specifically to the GTI, which seems to have a somewhat different steering wheel compared to the standard Polo (e.g. DSG paddles). I've noticed that there's a third, small (3mm?) round hole located at the bottom of the wheel - no idea if that has anything to do with it.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

PXL_20230423_114323238.jpg (1.37 MiB) Viewed 3146 times

[ciclo]

It's just two springy metal clips, doesn't matter if it's GTI or any other 6R steering wheel.
The first clip that you try to remove does not come out easily, on many occasions it does not pop out by itself, you must pull the airbag slightly at the same time as you press the clip with the flat screwdriver, then you will notice that it has come out slightly - 5mm clearance between steering wheel and airbag, approx - but this first clip is not out yet.
'Holding the airbag in that position' do the same for the second clip and now this second clip will probably pop out on its own.

You will have to be patient and make several attempts alternating the clips, sometimes it releases better on one side than on the other. Once you learn the trick/skill to do it, it's child's play.


Newer VW steering wheels are easier to remove.

[iichel]

Yes what ciclo describes above is absolutely the way to do it. In addition, these gti airbags are among the toughest to take out. They are clipped in very tight and it takes significant power, coordination, blasphemy and patience to take them out.