This procedure removes and replaces the horn contact clock spring assembly located in the steering column of a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, restoring horn functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Horn contact clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel retaining nut × 1 — Reuse if undamaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental horn activation or electrical short.
3. Allow steering column to cool if vehicle was recently driven.
4. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Use masking tape or a paint marker to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and the steering shaft. Place marks on both the wheel hub and shaft so they can be aligned during reinstallation. This ensures the steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are straight ahead.
2. 2

   Remove horn button assembly
   Remove the center horn button by carefully prying around the edge with a flat-head screwdriver. The button is typically held by spring clips or small retaining tabs. Disconnect the horn wire lead from the back of the button assembly. Note the routing of the wire for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Remove the large steering wheel retaining nut from the center of the steering shaft using the appropriate socket. This nut secures the steering wheel to the shaft and may be quite tight. Do not discard the nut as it will be reused or replaced depending on condition.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel
   Install a steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel hub, threading the puller bolts into the threaded holes in the wheel hub (verify exact hole count and pattern against factory service manual). Tighten the center screw of the puller evenly while supporting the wheel. The wheel will release from the tapered shaft. Never use a hammer to strike the shaft or wheel as this will damage the clock spring and column bearings.
5. 5

   Remove horn contact canceling cam
   With the steering wheel removed, locate the turn signal canceling cam and the horn contact components (these are separate items on this vehicle). The cam is the piece that sits on the shaft and triggers turn signal cancellation. Remove this cam by pulling it straight off the shaft or removing its retaining screws if present. The cam may have a spring underneath; take care not to lose small parts.
6. 6

   Remove upper column trim covers
   Remove the upper and lower steering column trim covers. These are held by several screws accessible from the underside of the column (verify exact screw count and type against factory service manual). Separate the two halves and set aside. This exposes the internal steering column components.
7. 7

   Access clock spring assembly
   Locate the horn contact clock spring assembly mounted on the steering shaft just below where the wheel was attached. This is a circular contact assembly with a spring-loaded contact ring. Note the orientation and position of all wiring connectors and the grounding strap if present.
8. 8

   Disconnect clock spring wiring
   Disconnect the horn wire from the clock spring assembly. On 1966 Corvettes, this is typically a single wire connection or a contact brush assembly. Note which terminal the wire connects to and inspect for corrosion. If a ground strap is present, disconnect it as well.
9. 9

   Remove clock spring retaining hardware
   Remove the screws securing the horn contact ring assembly to the steering column housing (verify exact screw count against factory service manual). These screws are typically located around the perimeter of the assembly. The entire clock spring unit should now be free to remove from the shaft.
10. 10

    Remove old clock spring
    Carefully slide the old clock spring assembly off the steering shaft. Pay attention to how it is oriented and any indexing features that ensure correct alignment. Inspect the shaft contact surface for corrosion or damage and clean with contact cleaner and wire brush if necessary.
11. 11

    Install new clock spring
    Install the new clock spring assembly onto the steering shaft, ensuring it is properly oriented with any indexing tabs or alignment features. The contact surface should face the direction where the steering wheel will mount. Verify the spring contacts are clean and free of debris.
12. 12

    Secure clock spring assembly
    Install the 3 retaining screws to secure the clock spring assembly to the steering column housing. Tighten screws evenly in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Do not overtighten as this can crack the plastic housing.
13. 13

    Reconnect clock spring wiring
    Reconnect the horn wire to the appropriate terminal on the clock spring assembly. Ensure the connection is clean and tight. Reconnect any ground straps that were removed. Route wiring away from moving parts and verify nothing will be pinched when column covers are reinstalled.
14. 14

    Reinstall column trim and canceling cam
    Reinstall the turn signal canceling cam onto the steering shaft with any associated springs or retainers. Reinstall the upper and lower steering column trim covers and secure with the 3 screws. Ensure covers are properly seated and all clips engaged.
15. 15

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel to the shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the wheel onto the tapered shaft until it is fully seated. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to the factory specification (verify exact value against factory service manual). The wheel should be secure with no play or wobble.
16. 16

    Reinstall horn button assembly
    Reconnect the horn wire lead to the back of the horn button assembly. Reinstall the horn button assembly into the center of the steering wheel using its factory retention method (verify whether snap clips, bayonet, or threaded retainer against the factory service manual). The button should sit flush with the steering wheel surface.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Verify steering wheel is properly centered with front wheels in straight-ahead position.
3. Ensure all column trim pieces are secure and no wires are pinched.

Verification

• Turn ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run).
• Press the horn button and verify the horn sounds consistently.
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify horn continues to function at all steering positions.
• Check that turn signals cancel properly when steering wheel returns to center.
• Verify steering wheel does not have excessive play or wobble.

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