One controversial topic within the auto recycling, junk car, auto scrap and vehicle scrap recycling industry is the redeployment of used airbags and the safety of aftermarket airbag usage.
The average price for a used airbag unit is $250-$350 and can be obtained from a used item dealer, auto wrecker, scrap car buyer and other sources. The installation of a used airbag from another vehicle should be done by an expert installer. A critical component of your airbag system is the airbag’s “computer”. Often airbag systems need recalibrated to an aftermarket bumper assembly.
Airbag installation can be highly specialized. If your airbag has deployed, or if you want a new airbag in your car, there are a couple options:
Dealers: The dealer is most likely to have expertise on working with airbags for your car. It takes skill that’s beyond that of most garages. Much depends if the steering column needs to be replaced. If it’s a collapsible steering column, replacement will be needed. The “clock spring” might also need to be replaced. Expect to pay well over $700 for items and labor.
Garages: Most garages won’t deal with airbag installation. It can be too tricky, and it’s all too easy to trip the new airbag. Although it’s profitable work, the headaches involved may not be worth it.
DIY: Trying to repair or re-install airbags on your own is not recommended. This is specific and potentially dangerous work. An airbag deploys with great force, and an accidental detonation can injure you.
In the State of Ohio auto airbags can be sold “used” and reinstalled. The US Postal Service (USPS) and other providers established regulations for the transportation of such unsafe materials; these guidelines also regulate the shipment of airbags. Airbags are considered to be miscellaneous hazardous objects for their explosive potential. Accidental airbag deployment is dangerous to those handling or transporting them. To diminish these hazards, airbags are classified as consumer product with ORM-D labeling. Newer vehicles typically have multiple airbag units which in addition to driver and passenger units will have side impact airbags and units to protect rear seat passengers.
Theft of auto airbags is more common than you may realize. In an article on Auto Body Review dated February 28, 2014 the facts are illustrated: “The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that thieves steal nearly 50,000 airbags in the US alone.” Airbags are targets for theft since they have a high value and are simple to remove.
Cleveland Scrap Cars buys junk cars and scrap cars throughout Northeast Ohio. We pay cash for cars and serve as a scrap car buyer and junk car buyer in Cleveland. When scrapping a car in Cuyahoga County call the car scrap specialists. To sell your junk car or scrap car in the Cleveland area, look no further. We offer free towing and operate as a scrap car buyer and junk car buyer 7 days a week. Scrapping a car is simple, just give us a call for current scrap car prices or junk vehicle removal in Cleveland, Parma, Lakewood, Brookpark, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, East Cleveland, Euclid, Eastlake, Solon, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Independence, Macedonia, Northfield, Beachwood, Mayfield Heights and the surrounding Cuyahoga County area.