[Fireborn]

Hi, I bought a 04 Nissan Xterra that had broke the rear differential and deployed the airbags, I found airbags online but I'm not sure if they will redeploy if I put them in. It has not been in a wreck so I have no idea why they deployed when the differential broke as there is no other damage to the car. I read online that I had to change the seat belts too but my seat belts work just fine and the light goes out when you buckle up. So I guess my question is do I have to buy the kit (airbags/seat belts/control module) which is WAY more money or can I just buy the airbag and reset the light? Also has anyone ever heard of a differential breaking like this I mean I doubt it has the torque to snap it. Here is the link to the photos because I couldn't get them to insert. https://www.clubxterra.org/media/albums/2004-xterra.5193/

Thanks, Brent

 

[kms1990]

Hi, I bought a 04 Nissan Xterra that had broke the rear differential and deployed the airbags, I found airbags online but I'm not sure if they will redeploy if I put them in. It has not been in a wreck so I have no idea why they deployed when the differential broke as there is no other damage to the car. I read online that I had to change the seat belts too but my seat belts work just fine and the light goes out when you buckle up. So I guess my question is do I have to buy the kit (airbags/seat belts/control module) which is WAY more money or can I just buy the airbag and reset the light? Also has anyone ever heard of a differential breaking like this I mean I doubt it has the torque to snap it. Here is the link to the photos because I couldn't get them to insert. https://www.clubxterra.org/media/albums/2004-xterra.5193/

Thanks, Brent

the driveshaft broke not the differential this looks like it could have been rust related or possibly from a road debris impact likely the latter as it set off the airbags, airbags get set off because of sensors in various places on the car detecting g forces and impacts and if this was a violent enough hit on something solid in the road to snap a drive shaft it was obviously a big hit and i could see airbags going off as it likely bounced the truck in the air a bit and slammed it back down so the air bag sensors said oh crap impact and set off the air bags. if you have a trusted body shop in your area i would consult them before attempting to replace airbags as it is a very delicate procedure that must be done with precision and accuracy and is not an easy task. here is a body shop local to me i trust (fort worth texas area) they are Read's autobody and they do good work for me and my family and friends for 20+ years their number is 817-560-1010 They may be able to send you some diagrams or instructions for your year and model to better assist you

 

[Satito]

Exactly what KMS said. You should definitely get professional assistance. If you do just get advice or do research and then do the work yourself, make sure that the battery is disconnected before and during any work regarding the airbags. I would go so far as to pull the battery out of the vehicle and leave it for 24 hours before beginning work. Yes u do not want an airbag going off in your face as you hook it up, and they can be set off by residual charge in the system.

 

[Fireborn]

Ok Thanks.