Clock Spring

Replace the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column to restore proper airbag and steering wheel control functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly (spiral cable) × 1 — Use OEM Aston Martin part number

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Chock rear wheels to prevent rolling
4. Open hood and locate battery in engine bay
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
6. Wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
7. Mark steering wheel position relative to column with masking tape before any disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Driver Airbag Module
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module retaining bolts accessible through access holes. Remove the airbag module retaining fasteners accessible through the rear access holes (verify fastener type, size, and count against OEM documentation for the 2009 DB9). Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel hub. Disconnect the yellow airbag harness connector by pressing release tab and pulling straight apart. Set airbag module aside on clean surface with soft side facing up, never place logo-side down. Note: Remove the airbag module retaining fasteners (verify exact count and driver size against Aston Martin service data before proceeding). Note: Use the appropriate Torx driver to remove the airbag retaining bolts (verify count and Torx size against Aston Martin DB9 service data).
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect Steering Wheel Harnesses
   With airbag removed, access to steering wheel center is now clear. Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors behind the steering wheel hub: horn connector (push tab release), cruise control connectors if equipped (slide lock release), and any paddle shift harnesses if equipped (press side tabs). Mark or photograph connector positions for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Mark Steering Wheel Alignment
   Before removing steering wheel nut, use masking tape or paint marker to create alignment marks across the steering wheel hub and steering shaft. Make marks at 12 o'clock position and on the shaft splines to ensure exact reinstallation position. This is critical for proper clock spring centering and steering geometry.
4. 4

   Remove Steering Wheel
   Loosen and remove the steering wheel retaining center nut (verify socket size against OEM documentation). The steering wheel is retained on a splined shaft; after removing the nut, pull the wheel straight off the splines while supporting its weight. A steering wheel puller is generally not required on this platform - verify engagement type against factory documentation before using a puller. Lift steering wheel straight off shaft while supporting its weight to prevent damage to clock spring below. Set aside safely. Note: Loosen and remove the steering wheel retaining fastener (verify exact socket size against Aston Martin service data). The steering wheel is splined to the shaft (not a tapered fit); after removing the fastener, pull the wheel straight off the splines by hand, rocking gently if needed. Do not use a puller unless the service manual specifies one. Note: Use the correct size socket (verify against Aston Martin service data for the DB9 steering wheel nut) to loosen but do not fully remove the steering wheel retaining nut - leave it threaded on several turns.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Upper and Lower Steering Column Covers
   Locate the Torx screws securing upper and lower steering column shrouds. Remove the upper shroud screws (typically T20 Torx, count varies by trim level). Gently separate upper shroud from lower shroud, working around any clip locations. Remove lower shroud screws and carefully lift lower shroud away from column, feeding past any stalks or switch assemblies. Some covers may have hidden clips along seams - use plastic trim tools to release without breaking tabs.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark Clock Spring Alignment
   With column covers removed, clock spring is now visible on steering column behind where steering wheel was mounted. Before removing any fasteners, locate the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and rotor. Use masking tape or paint pen to mark the current centered position - mark the housing to the column bracket and the rotor to the housing. Photograph the alignment for reference. This step is absolutely critical for proper reinstallation.
7. 7

   Disconnect Clock Spring Electrical Connectors
   Locate the clock spring harness connectors on the side or bottom of the clock spring housing. There will be multiple connectors: yellow airbag circuit connector (with locking slider), and possibly additional connectors for steering wheel controls. Unlock and disconnect all connectors from clock spring assembly. Press connector release tabs firmly and pull straight out to avoid damaging pins. Note routing of harnesses for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove Clock Spring Assembly
   Remove the clock spring mounting screws that secure the assembly to the steering column (verify exact count and driver size against Aston Martin service data). Remove the clock spring assembly by pulling straight back off the steering shaft. Be extremely careful not to rotate the internal mechanism during removal. If clock spring is being reused for any reason, immediately tape the rotor to housing to prevent rotation. Set old clock spring aside. Note: Using the appropriate driver, remove the clock spring mounting fasteners that secure the assembly to the steering column (verify fastener type and count against Aston Martin DB9 service data).
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Prepare and Center New Clock Spring
   Unpack new clock spring assembly. Verify it has centering lock or tape holding rotor in centered position - do not remove this lock yet. If lock is missing, manually center the clock spring per the manufacturer's instructions: typically rotate the rotor gently fully in one direction until it stops, then rotate back toward center the specified number of turns until the centering marks/indicator align. Verify the exact centering turn count and indicator type against Aston Martin/supplier documentation before releasing. Secure with tape if no factory lock present. Confirm steering shaft has not rotated from straight-ahead position. Note: If lock is missing, manually center the clock spring per the unit's design: rotate rotor fully in one direction until it stops (gently, do not force), count total available turns, then rotate back half that number of turns to reach center - or rotate until the centering window/indicator shows the centered position. Verify the correct centering method and turn count against OEM documentation for this clock spring. Note: If lock is missing, manually center the clock spring: rotate rotor fully clockwise until it stops (gently, do not force), then rotate counterclockwise until centering marks align and the centering window shows the centered indicator, counting total travel and returning to the midpoint per Aston Martin DB9 procedure.
10. 10

    Install New Clock Spring
    Align new clock spring assembly with steering shaft splines and column mounting holes. Slide clock spring onto shaft ensuring proper spline engagement and housing alignment with column bracket. Align mounting screw holes and install clock spring mounting screws finger-tight, then torque to specification (verify exact driver size and torque value against Aston Martin service data before proceeding). Ensure housing seats fully against column before final torque. Now remove the centering lock/tape from the clock spring rotor - it is now free to rotate with steering wheel installation.
    Torque spec

    Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect Clock Spring Electrical Connectors
    Reconnect all electrical harnesses to new clock spring assembly in reverse order of removal. Yellow airbag connector must click and lock fully - verify locking slider is engaged. Connect steering wheel control connectors ensuring proper seating and audible click. Gently tug each connector to verify secure connection. Route harnesses to avoid pinching when column covers are reinstalled.
12. 12

    Reinstall Steering Column Covers
    Feed lower steering column shroud back around column, navigating past stalks and switches. Align lower shroud clips and mounting holes, then install lower shroud screws to specification (verify exact driver size against Aston Martin service data). Position upper shroud over lower shroud, align all tabs and clips, then install upper shroud screws to specification. Verify all clips are engaged and covers fit flush without gaps.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Steering Wheel
    Align steering wheel hub with steering shaft splines using alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide steering wheel onto shaft ensuring splines engage fully and wheel seats against clock spring rotor face. Install the steering wheel retaining fastener and torque to Aston Martin specification (verify exact fastener/socket size and torque value against factory service data). Verify steering wheel is centered and alignment marks match perfectly. Note: Install steering wheel nut and torque to the Aston Martin specified value using the correct size socket and a torque wrench of adequate range (verify socket size and torque value against DB9 service data).
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect Steering Wheel Harnesses
    Reconnect all electrical connectors behind steering wheel hub in reverse order of removal: paddle shift harnesses if equipped, cruise control connectors, and horn connector. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and any locking tabs engage properly. Verify no wires are pinched or under tension.
15. 15

    Reinstall Driver Airbag Module
    Connect yellow airbag harness connector to back of airbag module - press firmly until connector locks with audible click. Position airbag module against steering wheel hub, aligning mounting holes. Install the airbag module retaining fasteners through rear access holes and torque to specification (verify exact fastener count, type, and driver size against Aston Martin service data). Critical: airbag bolts must be torqued precisely to specification for proper deployment. Verify airbag module sits flush and secure in wheel.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect Battery and Clear Codes
    Reconnect negative battery terminal (located in the trunk on this platform) and torque to specification. Before starting vehicle, turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and observe airbag warning light on instrument cluster. Light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish. If light remains on or flashes, do not drive vehicle - diagnose fault codes using appropriate scan tool. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly to verify no binding and clock spring functions through full range.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in steps above - procedure follows exact reverse order with critical torque specifications
2. Do not skip alignment marking steps - improper clock spring centering will cause immediate airbag fault codes
3. All Torx fasteners should be torqued to specifications listed - over-torquing plastic column covers will crack mounting bosses

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position - airbag warning light should illuminate briefly then extinguish within 6-8 seconds
• Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock - no binding, clicking, or resistance should be felt
• Test horn function by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel-mounted controls: cruise control buttons, audio controls, paddle shifters if equipped
• Drive vehicle at low speed in safe area - verify airbag light remains off and steering wheel controls function normally
• If airbag light remains illuminated, use diagnostic scan tool to read fault codes - most common cause is clock spring not centered or connector not fully seated

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