How does one safely ship an airbag? I have no real use for my OEM steering wheel and I've previously turned down offers that aren't local because I'm not so sure the unit can safely be shipped. Is this true? Can't the airbag still go off even with no power connected?

 

I've never shipped an airbag. However I would assume it needs a power source to deploy.

As far as packaging I would brace the wheel so it doesn't move at all in the box. Then fill it with packing peanuts.

 

Technically wouldn't it be against policy to ship as it is an 'explosive' device? Might be worthwhile just to call one of the shippers (USPS/UPS/Fedex) and see what they say.

I probably would toss it into an anti-static bag at a minimum just to make sure a shock doesn't trigger it.

 

I shipped mine in the box with the wheel with just padding to make it where nothing moved around. May have not been a smart move but it made it in one piece. I don't believe if you disclose what's in the package they will still let you ship it though.

 

You can ship them. If you're doing it legitly, it's going to cost about $30 extra for the fees and the rupture proof container that the shipper should have. I'd call ahead to make sure they have what you need. The likelihood that it will actually trigger without electricity is low, but you really don't want to be on the receiving end of one that decides to go off.

 

part of the GM recall was that when the ignition went off the power steering brakes and airbag were deactivated. Can't imagine what would energize the bag without power. If it were jolted enough during transport though, it might deploy when attached to power. get new underwear.

 

They are considered "Dangerous Goods" by aviation and DOT/ICAO standards. It is important, no critical, to disclose this information. You may not think it is a big deal but dangerous goods are combined according to precise methodology. Some items can be mixed in certain quantities, some not.

The point is this could be combined (if undeclared) with something else that can cause a disaster when it causes an undesirable interaction. You can kill people and cause a crash. Its happened.

You can ship this ground but declare it please. If you are a "known shipper" you already know about it and how to pack it and ship.

I would like to personally thank you for doing this in advance.

 

You should also put a shorting plug to mitigate the squib from blowing.

 

Never thought of this and have shipped one before. Good info.