This procedure covers removal and replacement of the clock spring (steering wheel angle sensor) in a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, requiring removal of the driver airbag and steering wheel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Electrical contact cleaner × 1 — CRC or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position with wheels straight ahead
3. Turn ignition OFF and remove key from ignition
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal
5. Wait minimum 60 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Ensure all doors are unlocked (battery disconnect will prevent power locks from operating)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering column covers
   Remove the two screws securing the lower steering column cover. Unclip and remove the lower cover. Remove the upper steering column cover by releasing the clips on both sides and lifting upward. Set covers aside in a clean area.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Using a white paint marker or tape, mark the exact position of the steering wheel relative to the steering column shaft. Make alignment marks on both the wheel and the shaft in at least two locations (top and bottom) to ensure proper reinstallation. This is critical for maintaining proper steering alignment.
3. 3

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two Torx bolts on the back side of the steering wheel (accessible from rear). Use a T50 Torx bit to remove both airbag module mounting bolts. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the two electrical connectors: the airbag connector (yellow) and the horn connector. Place airbag module face-up on a clean, padded surface away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a stable surface. Never place face-down as this creates a projectile hazard if accidental deployment occurs.
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect steering wheel electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors behind the steering wheel: cruise control buttons, audio controls, and any other steering wheel-mounted switch connectors. Note the routing and position of wiring harnesses for reassembly. If equipped with paddle shifters, disconnect those connectors as well.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using a socket wrench, remove the large steering wheel retaining nut in the center of the steering wheel. Do not discard this nut. Thread the nut back onto the shaft by 2-3 threads to protect the shaft threads and provide a surface for pulling against. Firmly grip the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back with steady pressure while rocking slightly side to side. The wheel should release from the splined shaft. If wheel does not release easily, use a steering wheel puller rather than excessive force.
   ⚠Do not use a hammer or excessive force on steering wheel. Use a proper steering wheel puller if wheel is stuck to prevent damage to shaft or column.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark and document clock spring position
   Before removing the clock spring, verify that the steering is centered and the clock spring is in its center position. Look for alignment marks or witness marks on the clock spring housing. Make additional alignment marks between the clock spring housing and the steering column to document the exact rotational position. Take a photo if possible. This ensures proper installation of the new clock spring.
7. 7

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly. There will typically be 2-4 connectors depending on vehicle options. Carefully release the locking tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the color and position of each connector for proper reassembly. Inspect connectors for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the screws securing the clock spring to the steering column (typically 3-4 screws). Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Keep the assembly level and do not rotate it. If the old clock spring is to be reused, secure it with tape to prevent rotation during handling.
   ⚠️Do not allow the clock spring ribbon cable to unwind or rotate once removed. If the clock spring becomes un-centered, it must be replaced.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare and center new clock spring
   Remove the new clock spring from packaging. Verify it is in the centered position (most new units come with a locking pin or tape holding center position). If there is a locking pin, do NOT remove it yet. Inspect the new clock spring for any shipping damage. Clean the steering column shaft and mating surface with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    With the steering column still in the centered position (verified by alignment marks), carefully slide the new clock spring onto the steering column shaft. Align the clock spring with the mounting holes and any alignment tabs. Ensure the clock spring housing sits flush against the column. Install the clock spring screws and torque to specification. If the new clock spring has a centering lock pin, remove it only after the clock spring is fully secured to the column.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector locks securely with an audible click. Route wiring harnesses in their original positions to prevent pinching during steering wheel installation. Verify no wires are twisted or under tension.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Route all steering wheel electrical connectors through the center opening of the steering wheel. Align the steering wheel with the marked position and the splines on the shaft. Ensure the wheel is correctly oriented using the alignment marks made during removal. Slide the wheel onto the shaft until it is fully seated. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and torque to specification.
    ⚠Verify steering wheel is installed in exact same position as removed. Incorrect positioning will result in off-center steering wheel and clock spring damage.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect steering wheel controls and airbag
    Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors for cruise control, audio controls, and any other switches. Ensure all connectors are fully seated. Position the airbag module over the steering wheel, align the mounting holes, and reconnect the airbag and horn electrical connectors. Press the airbag module firmly into place and install both Torx mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover and press down to engage all clips. Install the lower steering column cover, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install the two lower cover retaining screws and torque to specification. Verify both covers are secure and properly aligned with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts to specification if applicable. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6 seconds then turns off. If light stays on or flashes, there is a fault that must be diagnosed. Start the engine and verify all steering wheel controls function properly.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt17 Nm (13 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Test all steering wheel-mounted controls before road testing
3. Ensure no abnormal noises from steering column during wheel rotation
4. Confirm airbag warning light operates normally (illuminates briefly at startup then extinguishes)

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify airbag warning light functions properly: illuminates for 6 seconds then turns off
• Test all steering wheel controls: horn, cruise control, audio controls, voice command buttons
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary to verify no binding, clicking, or unusual noises from clock spring area
• Test drive vehicle and confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Verify turn signal self-cancel function works properly in both directions
• If equipped with lane keeping assist or other ADAS features, verify proper operation and consider steering angle sensor calibration if required
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and clear any airbag-related codes that may have set during battery disconnect

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