Does anyone know if it is safe to remove the back cover of the steering wheel?

After spending the best part of 6 hours sat in the car at various times over the last week I have finaly identified the rattle coming from the dashboard in front of the drivers seat! I had been convinced it was behind the instrument cluster however after lots of poking and proding I ended at the revelation last night that it is actualy something making contact with the back cover section of the steering wheel. You gently squeeze (ooerrrr mrs) the top and bottom of the cover just behind the cover for the airbag and it stops

This maybe a question that TB can answer? Is it safe to loosen off the four retaining screws on the back of the wheel that hold the cover in place - it sounds as if that something inside the wheel is slightly loose and is touching the cover - when the pressure is applied if forces constant contact and it goes away. I am obviously concerned about loosening the back of the wheel as I really don't fancy a face full of airbag

I don't want to take it back to the dealer as we all know from experience, you take it in for one thing and it comes back with another!!!!! Not the service teams fault, just inevitable when you start dismantling the car etc.

I have a back up plan in the form of a matchstick wedged in between the case and the cover but that doesn't look very special!!!!!

As always, advice and guidance appreciated!!!

I will probably regret saying this, but after I have sorted this......there is nothing else wrong

I probably wouldn't advise it.

I'm not sure it would go off as it requires the sensors around the car to decide you've had an accident to trigger the bag.

You could, however potentially affect the performance of it should (God forbid) something happen.

I'm sure the dealers wouldn't look too kindly on someone messing with the cars safety systems and could present warranty issues.

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