QuestionI got a quote for $5000 just to replace the driver and passenger front airbags in my 2005 Elantra GT which I'm not going to pay that much. I am ordering all the required parts off ebay for much cheaper. I have 2 questions.
1. Can I replace my own airbags safely? If so use what precautions. I have the manual and tools to do it.
2. Do I need to replace the clock spring when my horn and cruise control still works? If so where can I get one?
3. What would it cost in labor to have a body shop replace the bags?
AnswerI'm presuming you're replacing the air bags because they've deployed.
1. You can replace your own air bags safely. Be sure the battery has been disconnected for at least 30 minutes prior to working on the system and do not do anything that would apply voltage to any of the circuits involved.
2. If your air bags have deployed, Hyundai says you must replace much more than the air bags. According to TSB 04-90-001, you must do the following:
-- replace all seat belts and buckles worn at time of collision
-- replace both sections of the air bag wiring harness
-- replace the air bag control module and mounting screws
-- replace the clock spring
-- replace the front impact sensor
-- replace both front seat tracks.
There's no question the air bag system will not work properly without replacing the computer. Additionally, you'll need to replace any deployed seat belts, whether worn or not.
3. Costs will vary greatly depending on the shop doing the work and your geographic location. To get an idea of the labor cost involved, you'll need to call a few shops in your area.
I'm guessing that the $5000 you were quoted was to repair the system properly per Hyundai's guidelines that I've listed above. Few legitimate repair facilities will be willing to accept the risks of repairing the vehicle in a manner other than that specified by Hyundai.
