Clock Spring

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Mopar 04686672 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead.
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
4. Lock steering wheel in centered position using the ignition lock or tape the wheel to prevent rotation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove airbag module from steering wheel
   The 1992 Viper RT/10 does not have a driver airbag module. Remove the horn button/center pad by pulling or unscrewing it from the steering wheel per the factory service manual, then disconnect the horn electrical lead. Set the pad aside in a safe location.he work area. Note: Exact retention method of the horn button/center pad on the 1992 Dodge Viper (no airbag module fitted)
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect steering wheel wiring
   Locate the horn connector and any additional steering wheel control connectors behind the steering wheel hub. Disconnect all electrical connectors by pressing their locking tabs and separating. Note the routing of all wiring for reassembly.
3. 3

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Using masking tape or a paint marker, mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft to ensure correct alignment during reinstallation. Remove the large steering wheel retaining nut using a socket. Install a steering wheel puller and evenly tighten the puller to remove the steering wheel from the steering shaft. Do not strike the shaft or wheel during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper and lower steering column covers
   Locate the fasteners securing the upper and lower steering column covers. Remove the screws securing both cover halves. Separate the upper cover from the lower cover and remove both pieces from the steering column. Set covers aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, verify the steering column is in the centered position. Locate the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and rotor. Using masking tape or a paint marker, mark the current position of the clock spring rotor relative to the housing to document the centered position. Take a photo if possible for reference.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate the electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly. The clock spring will have connectors for the airbag circuit and any steering wheel controls. Press the connector locking tabs and carefully disconnect all electrical connectors from the clock spring. Note the connector positions and routing.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Locate the screws securing the clock spring assembly to the steering column (verify exact count against the factory service manual). Remove these screws and carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Handle the clock spring carefully to avoid damaging the internal ribbon cable.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare new clock spring
   Remove the new clock spring from its packaging. Verify that the new clock spring is in the centered position by checking for a locking pin, locking tab, or centered alignment marks. Most new clock springs come pre-centered with a locking device. Do not rotate the clock spring rotor until it is installed and the steering wheel is attached.
9. 9

   Install new clock spring assembly
   Align the new clock spring assembly with the steering column shaft and slide it into position. Ensure the alignment tab on the clock spring engages with the corresponding slot on the column. Install the 3 mounting screws and tighten to specification. Do not over-tighten these small fasteners.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the new clock spring assembly, ensuring each connector clicks into place securely. Verify the airbag circuit connector and any steering wheel control connectors are fully seated. Route wiring as noted during disassembly.
11. 11

    Install steering column covers
    Position the lower steering column cover around the column, then install the upper cover. Align the cover halves and install all mounting screws, tightening to specification. Ensure covers are properly seated and all clips are engaged.
    Torque spec

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

    Install steering wheel
    If the new clock spring had a centering lock, remove it now. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal and slide it onto the steering shaft, ensuring the splines engage fully. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect steering wheel wiring and install airbag
    Reconnect the horn connector and any steering wheel control connectors. Route the airbag connector through the steering wheel and connect it to the airbag module. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, ensuring no wiring is pinched. Install the 2 Torx mounting bolts and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and verify operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. If the vehicle is equipped with an airbag/SRS system, verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then turns off after approximately 6-8 seconds, indicating the system has completed its self-test successfully. Note: the 1992 Viper RT/10 was not originally equipped with an airbag, so this clock spring may serve horn and steering wheel controls only. Test horn operation and any steering wheel-mounted controls.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before reassembly.
2. Verify the clock spring centering lock (if equipped) is removed before installing the steering wheel.
3. Double-check that all steering column cover fasteners are installed and properly tightened.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6-8 seconds.
• Test horn operation by pressing the horn button on the steering wheel.
• Turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify no binding or unusual noise from the clock spring.
• If equipped with steering wheel controls, verify all buttons and switches function properly.
• Take a short test drive to ensure all systems operate normally and no warning lights remain illuminated.

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