This procedure replaces the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column, which provides electrical continuity for the steering wheel airbag, horn, and controls while allowing rotation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel alignment mark labels (if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointing straight
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes before proceeding
5. Disconnect positive battery terminal to ensure complete power isolation
6. Verify airbag system is fully discharged (2+ minutes elapsed)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   Insert Torx T50 bit into access holes on sides of steering wheel (behind wheel spokes). Remove the two airbag module bolts. Carefully pull airbag module away from steering wheel. Disconnect yellow airbag connector by pressing release tab and pulling connector apart. Disconnect horn connector if equipped. Place airbag module face-up on clean surface away from work area.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark steering wheel position
   Before removing steering wheel, use masking tape or marker to mark the relationship between steering wheel and steering shaft. Mark both the wheel position and one spoke position relative to column for reassembly alignment. This ensures proper steering wheel centering on reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using appropriate socket. Install steering wheel puller according to manufacturer instructions. Apply even pressure to puller to remove steering wheel from shaft. Do not strike shaft or wheel during removal. Disconnect cruise control and radio control connectors behind steering wheel if equipped. Carefully remove steering wheel and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove upper and lower steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers. There are typically 4-6 screws depending on configuration. Carefully disengage plastic retaining clips by inserting trim removal tool between cover halves. Remove upper cover first, then lower cover. Disconnect any electrical connectors for ignition switch trim lighting if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Document clock spring alignment marks
   Before removing existing clock spring, identify and document the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and steering column. The clock spring has alignment arrows or marks that must align during installation. Take photos or make detailed notes of wire routing and connector positions. Verify steering wheel is still centered and lock steering shaft to prevent rotation.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly (typically 2-4 connectors for airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls). Press connector release tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Some connectors may have secondary locks that must be released first. Note connector positions and routing for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the clock spring retaining screws (typically 3 screws in triangular pattern). Note the exact position and alignment of the clock spring before removal. Carefully lift clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft, ensuring no wires are snagged. Inspect the steering column for any debris or damage before installing new part.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Center new clock spring
   If new clock spring is not pre-centered, center it manually: Hold clock spring with face up and outer ring stationary. Rotate inner hub clockwise until it stops (do not force). Rotate counterclockwise approximately 2.5-3 full turns until centering window shows alignment marks or colors match. Many replacement units come pre-centered with a locking pin - do not remove locking pin until after installation and reconnection.
9. 9

   Install new clock spring
   Verify steering shaft and wheels are still centered. Align clock spring alignment marks with marks on steering column. Carefully slide clock spring onto steering column shaft, ensuring proper engagement with locating pins or tabs. Install clock spring retaining screws and torque to specification. Ensure clock spring seats fully and sits flush against column.
   Torque spec

   Clock Spring Screws4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to clock spring in reverse order of removal. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and secondary locks engage. Route wiring through column covers as originally positioned. Verify no wires are pinched or stretched. Check that connectors are secure with gentle pull test.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Route any ignition trim lighting wires through lower cover if equipped. Position lower steering column cover and secure with screws. Install upper cover, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install and torque all cover screws. Verify covers fit flush and do not interfere with steering shaft movement.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall steering wheel
    If clock spring has centering pin, remove it now. Reconnect cruise control and radio control connectors. Align steering wheel with marks made during removal. Slide steering wheel onto shaft, ensuring splines engage properly and wheel is centered. Install steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Verify steering wheel is properly centered with front wheels straight.
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall driver airbag module
    Reconnect horn connector if equipped. Reconnect yellow airbag connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Position airbag module onto steering wheel, aligning mounting bosses. Install airbag module bolts through access holes and torque to specification using Torx T50 bit. Ensure airbag sits flush and secure in steering wheel.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative battery terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts to specification. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Observe airbag warning light - it should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then extinguish. If light remains on or flashes, there is a fault code that must be diagnosed. Test horn operation and steering wheel controls.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure steering wheel is properly centered when wheels are straight ahead
3. Confirm no wires are pinched between covers or components
4. Double-check that all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification

Verification

• Start engine and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-second bulb check
• Test horn operation from steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, radio, etc.) for proper function
• Turn steering wheel full lock left and right several times to verify clock spring operation and no binding
• Scan for airbag system diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool - clear any codes if necessary
• Road test vehicle and verify all functions work properly with no warning lights

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