Josh Pinkert

Last night while swerving to avoid a dead on hit with a tire re-tread, I caught it with my right front wheel. One Pirelli P7000 dead, one Ronal R-28 dead, and an airbag deployed. I'll post some pics for those interested.

What I'm wondering is...has anyone dealt with having a side airbag re-packed/replaced? Is there anything I should watch out for or insist on? I should have an insurance adjuster looking at it sometime next week.

- Josh
- '98 A4q 2.8 with one side airbag that definitely works!
- '72 911T

Josh Pinkert

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/sideairbag1.jpg"></center><p>nt

Josh Pinkert

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/sideairbag2.jpg"></center><p>nt

Josh Pinkert

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/destroyR28.jpg"></center><p>nt

A. Udi

If you're NOT involved in a collision and airbag deploys, does Audi pay for a new seat?

B. Cochburn

If an airbag deploys and you are not there, does it make any noise?

Josh Pinkert

Then I probably won't be making an insurance claim. Depends on what I find out with after looking over the suspension and getting it aligned.

If everything is ok, I'll get Audi to replace the seat and throw on the 15" steel wheels I have for the upcoming winter. Trash the other heavy/crummy R28s next spring and buy some nice looking light weight wheels.

- Josh
- '98 A4q 2.8
- '72 911T

Josh Pinkert

Then again...they may consider that a collision, although there's no body damage.

Bill S.

in case of a side airbag deployment, would a person's arm resting on the door armrest be at risk of serious injury?

Based on your experience, what do you think? I have no idea how forceful the side airbag deployment would be. I assume Audi wouldn't put an armrest in the door if it was dangerous to use, but then again . . .

Sorry to hear about your accident.

Josh Pinkert

I'm not really sure how forcefully it deployed. Whatever I hit made a loud noise...and the airbag must've deployed simultaneously. I only noticed it once I stopped on the side of the road (and could smell the gasses).

I feel that all airbags have the potential to cause injuries. They are not the fluffy pillows that safety nuts make them out to be. I could see some injuries resulting from it, though. Keep in mind, though, that the side airbag doesn't stick out very far from the seat and it appears to be positioned below the shoulder. So I would think that my arm might be thrown such that I elbow myself in the lower ribs...as a passenger. The driver would likely have both hands on the wheel...so the side airbag wouldn't affect the driver.

- Josh
- 'a few cars...sick of typing them