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.
Does a clock spring affect steering?
Steering wheel buttons don’t work
If they work in a special position of the steering wheel, there is definitely a problem with the clock spring.
What happens if your clock spring breaks?
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 do I know if my clock spring is broken?
Common signs you have faulty clock spring include:
Illumination of the SRS/Airbag light.No sound when hitting the horn.Noises coming from the steering column.
What does a steering angle sensor do?
The steering angle sensor (SAS) determines where the driver wants to steer, matching the steering wheel with the vehicle’s wheels. Located within the steering column, the steering angle sensor always has more than one sensor packaged together in a single unit for redundancy, accuracy, and diagnostics.
Where is the airbag clock spring?
The clockspring is located in the steering column and is mounted right underneath the steering wheel. The clock spring has wires that connect to the airbag and steering wheel buttons and, on the opposite side, has an electrical wire harness plugged into it.
What is a clock spring on a Jeep Wrangler?
The airbag clock spring connects the driver’s side airbag to the steering column and ensures that electrical contact is maintained between the airbag module and the vehicle electrical system while the steering wheel is being turned.
What is the purpose of a spiral cable?
The spiral cable allows the steering wheel to rotate while maintaining the electrical connections for the steering wheel components.
How do you replace a car’s clock spring?
For most vehicles, the steps to remove the clock spring are as follows:
Remove Steering Wheel Bolt Cover Clips.Remove SRS Airbag Control Module Bolts.Remove the SRS Airbag Control Module from the Steering Wheel (make sure you disconnect any electrical connectors)
What is another name for clock spring?
Clock springs are also known as mainsprings or power springs and have a multitude of uses.
