Clock springs are often overlooked because they can’t be seen without dismantling the steering wheel. However, you can’t afford to disregard it if you want to ensure your safety on the road, as it’s connected to the airbag. Let’s take a closer look at it and why it’s important.
Before the days of driver airbags, vehicles with speed control had a set of slip rings that connected the buttons on the steering wheel to the cruise control system.
But with the advent of driver airbags, a better connection was needed than slip rings, which tend to have scratchy, unreliable connections as the car ages.
The spiral cable “clock spring” is actually a printed circuit strip that is coiled so that it is connected on one end to the steering wheel and on the other end to the circuits feeding the horn, cruise control, and airbag circuits, and maintains the connection throughout the range of steering wheel rotation.
The clock spring is mounted on the steering column under the steering wheel.
You can access it by removing the steering wheel and searching for the wired, circular part underneath. It’s often in the same assembly as the turn signal lever.
To remove the clock spring, you’ll need to detach the wires that connect it to the steering column.
When the clock spring is faulty, the horn and airbag, and steering wheel buttons and switches won’t operate.
A faulty clock spring can cause the airbag warning light to illuminate because it opens the deployment loop that fires the airbag and the restraint module detects that open circuit.
One of the most frustrating problems a driver can face with a bad clock spring is the car horn becoming unresponsive. This typically occurs when the clock spring gets cut off from the car horn via displacement, damage, or general wear and tear.
In some cases, the steering wheel can emit a clicking or rubbing sound when it’s turned. The faulty clock spring can also cause issues for the radio and cruise control because these circuits are also provided by the spiral cable/clock spring printed circuit strip.
When a clock spring becomes faulty, there’s a good chance that it’ll also take down all the buttons on the steering wheel. Checking for buttons that don’t do what they’re supposed to isn’t difficult. The clockspring usually renders them totally inoperative.
Like other components, clock springs wear out over time. They’re not impervious to external damage either. Here are some of the things that can cause a clock spring to become faulty.
The clock spring must be centered before installation (there are typically instructions on the spiral spring label) and a new spiral spring will come centered with some type of lock pin that is to be removed after it is installed.
The wheels need to be straight ahead with the steering column centered before the spiral spring is installed. Also, when replacing the steering rack, make sure the steering wheel is locked in the center position with the wheels straight ahead before removing the steering rack. Make sure the replacement steering rack is centered before installing it or you will destroy the airbag clockspring.
The wheels need to be straight ahead with the steering column centered before the spiral spring is installed. Also, when replacing the steering rack, make sure the steering wheel is locked in the center position with the wheels straight ahead before removing the steering rack. Make sure the replacement steering rack is centered before installing it or you will destroy the airbag clockspring.
–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Most clock springs last the entire lifespan of a vehicle with proper care and maintenance, though this doesn’t mean that they’re indestructible.
When you get into a traffic collision, there’s a chance that the impact can damage the clock spring of the steering wheel. It depends on the severity of the crash. Of course, since the airbag is likely to deploy, the clock spring will be the least of your concerns. If the airbag deployed, the spiral spring did its most important job.
While you can drive with a bad clock spring, there are a lot of risks that come with doing so.
For example, because the clock spring is directly associated with the airbag system, it can cause deployment failure if it’s faulty. That can make a huge difference during accidents.
Similarly, a bad clock spring can mean an unresponsive horn, making driving a hassle for you and risky for nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
When changing clock springs, you’ll have to dismantle the steering wheel first. If the steering wheel itself is also faulty, you might need to replace it. Thankfully, CarParts.com has you covered with high-quality steering wheels that are available at unbeatable prices.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.