Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

Clock Spring Removal and Installation

Clock Spring Removal

WARNING: The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for 1 minute after the ignition is OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has passed after disconnecting power to SDM. If the airbags are disconnected, service can be executed immediately without waiting for one-minute time period to expire. Failure to temporarily disable the SIR during service can result in unexpected deployment, personal injury and unnecessary SIR repairs.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the driver airbag module. Refer to SIR Description.
3. Remove the steering wheel. Refer to Steering Wheel Removal.




4. Remove the screws from the upper and lower steering column covers. And remove the covers.
5. Remove the driver side knee bolster and instrument panel lower cover.
6. Disconnect the driver airbag, horn and connectors from the lower steering column.
7. Remove the screws and discard them.




8. Remove the clock spring from the steering shaft.

Clock Spring Installation

WARNING: If the clock spring is not properly aligned, the steering wheel may not be able to rotate completely during a turn. Restricted turning ability can cause the vehicle to crash. Improper alignment of the clock spring also may make the SIR inoperative, preventing the airbag from deploying during crash. Both of the outcomes can result in injury.

NOTE: Turning the clock spring more than three turns clockwise or counterclockwise can damage the spring.

1. Turn the front wheels straight ahead.
2. Install the clock spring with the screws.

Tighten:
Tighten the clock spring mounting screws to 3 N.m (27 lb.in).

3. Turn the lobe of clock spring clockwise to lock (Do not force).
4. Then turn the lobe of clock spring counterclockwise approximately three turns to the neutral position, with the front of the wheels straight ahead.
5. Properly align the pointed marks on the components of the clock spring.
6. Connect the connectors on the lower steering column.
7. Install the driver side knee bolster and instrument panel lower cover.
8. Install the steering wheel.
9. Install the driver airbag module. Refer to SIR Description in this section for alignment.




10. Connect the negative battery cable.