I bought my L322 in February this year. I am wholly untechnical, being a desk type. Despite this, I have successfully replaced fogged-up rear lights with supercharged ones, swapped the gearknob for a walnut autobiography model, and replaced a smashed nearside front lamp housing.

Yesterday, planning to replace my worn steering wheel, I disconnected the battery and replaced my cabin air / pollen filter in the five minutes waiting time for any capacitors etc to discharge.

And then the defeat - the left airbag spring popped-off fairly easily, but the right side one - well, I couldn't even positively find the beggar, let alone release it.

So my new walnut wheel sits in its box while I figure out what to do next.

I might have to cheer myself up with a purchase of some sort . . . 2003 4.4 HSE Epsom Green / Sand. Lovely!

How are you trying to remove it?

You have to get whatever you are using as a tool in the 'channel' once it is in the outer hole which means pulling lightly. Also, with the wheel centered, the 'channels' are parallel to the ground (pic 1).

I also would not use a screwdriver as you'll just slip off the clip (round wire). I use the biggest T-handled torx I can make fit (T-25?). It's actually quite easy once you've done it.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I'm using a flat-ended cylindrical stick (part of a magician's stage equipment - but not his wand!) just a fraction smaller than the hole itself. Perhaps I need something just a bit smaller in diameter. I'll see if Halfords have a T-25 and try again.

Thank you for such great photos! 2003 4.4 HSE Epsom Green / Sand. Lovely!

I had exactly the same problem as you when I replaced my steering wheel earlier this year.

Some kindly soul suggested using an allen key, which worked beautifully.

I concur with SteveM's suggestion of using the largest diameter tool you can find. Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.

An allen key is great too.

Bellini wrote:

I concur with SteveM's suggestion of using the largest diameter tool you can find.

Indeed, and it's advice I often give.





sorry 
RRC 2Dr, RRC 4Dr,
P38, and 2 L322s
(wife thinks I'm nuts - prob right, too)

Wish I'd known about the allen key trick. I ended up using a narrow wooden paintbrush from my 4 year old daughter's art set. She was not happy when it came back all chewed up.

Tonight I used a UNIOR brand 3mm flat-ended hex tool which I bought for £5 inc postage. Importantly, the shaft itself is 3mm dia so fits easily into the small hole. The airbag springs were released fairly easily on both sides, the right-hand side being, again, the more resistant. The airbag is now sitting on the passenger seat and tomorrow I will fit my lovely new walnut & nappa wheel after giving the area a good clean.

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. 2003 4.4 HSE Epsom Green / Sand. Lovely!

Always remember to put a little downward pressure as if pushing the airbag back on, this helps the last retaining clip let go!!

3mm tee bar allen key is perfect fit  Current vehicles
4.2 SC FFRR RSE 2010- facelift
Range Rover Evogue Dynamic Lux

Gone
Rejected RRS my14.5 nightmare
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06 RFFRR 4.2 SC Vogue RSE
Audi A8 4.2Tdi Quattro (hated with a vengence!!)
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