The guy I bought my hatch from said the airbag was replaced, but not hooked up. I havent had time really to take the wheel off, but it was getting hard to turn left at a certain point until one day I forced it all the way until it popped and a puff of smoke (or dust?) came out from behind the wheel. Anyone know what would cause this? Clock spring?

 

Sounds like it.

 

If it helps, it sounds like a marble bouncing around...

 

I don't know what that could be. Maybe the "spring" as it clicks around.