In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is
a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector which allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while still making
an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle's horn and other devices and the vehicle's electrical systems.
What happens when the clock spring goes bad?
A bad clock spring can afflict you with more than broken volume controls. You could be left without cruise control, a functioning horn, or most importantly, a
functioning airbag
. In this situation, you would be unable to alert an inattentive driver and the airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision.
How much does it cost to replace a clock spring?
For a clock spring, the parts alone will cost $80 to $150; however, if a professional mechanic is going to replace the clock spring for you, the average job will cost anywhere from
$200 to as much as $400
.
How do I know if my clock spring is bad?
You can no longer answer phone calls or hang up using your steering wheel buttons.
Rubbing noise when you turn the steering wheel
–This is one of the early warning signs that the clockspring is starting to fail. Eventually, the clockspring will wear, and the ribbon inside the clock spring will break.
Is it safe to drive with a bad clock spring?
If you try to drive a car with a faulty or broken clock spring, you will experience a lot of difficulty when you try
to rotate the steering wheel
, and what's more, if you prolong this, it will cause damage to other parts of your car, too, not to mention putting yourself, as the driver, at risk.”
What causes clock spring failure?
Clock springs may become faulty
with age due to electrical ribbons and their connections wearing thin
. They also are likely to fail if they are not replaced after a car crash in which the airbag was deployed. Common signs you have faulty clock spring include: Illumination of the SRS/Airbag light.
When should I replace my clock spring?
The clock spring may need to be replaced if
it is damaged during careless service to the steering system
, and, in some cases, if the vehicle is in a crash and the driver's airbag deploys.
How do I reset my clock spring?
- Start the engine and let it idle.
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left.
- Repeat this procedure twice with the engine running.
- Drive for at least 50 feet, and the steering angle sensor will reset.
What does the clock spring control?
In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector which
allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/
or the vehicle's horn and other devices and the vehicle's electrical systems.
What is another name for clock spring?
Alternative names for the clock springs are
clock spring coil, coil assembly, cable reel assembly, coil spring unit and contact reel
.
Is a clock spring covered under warranty?
The warranty only covers the clockspring
, and that's only because it is required for the driver airbag to work.
Why does my horn only work sometimes?
But an inoperative car horn can also be caused by a bad horn switch in your steering wheel, a broken “clock spring” under the steering wheel, a bum horn relay, a broken wire, or a corroded ground. Here's how to check the most likely suspects: …
Clean the horn's ground connection and try powering the horn again
.
