This procedure replaces the clock spring assembly in the steering column, which provides electrical continuity between the steering wheel controls and vehicle systems including the airbag.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 2015-2020 F-150
• Steering wheel alignment marks (tape) × 1 — N/A - marking supplies

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels pointed straight ahead)
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Place masking tape across steering wheel and column to mark centered position
6. Ensure front wheels remain in straight-ahead position throughout procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Disconnect the negative cable and secure it away from the battery post. Wait a minimum of 2 minutes before proceeding to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge completely.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Locate the lower steering column cover fasteners below the steering wheel. Remove the screws securing both halves of the lower column cover using appropriate Torx bit. Carefully separate the cover halves and remove them, being mindful of plastic clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for switches if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the airbag module access holes on the back of the steering wheel. Insert a Torx T50 bit through each access hole and remove the two airbag module retaining bolts. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector and horn wire connector. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean surface. Never place face-down as deployment could cause serious injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and remove steering wheel
   Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft using a marker or additional tape to ensure correct reinstallation alignment. Using a 19mm socket, remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Use a steering wheel puller tool to remove the steering wheel - do not strike or pry. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors behind the wheel. Carefully lift steering wheel off the column.
   ⚠Do not hammer on steering wheel or shaft. Use proper puller tool to prevent damage to steering column and clock spring.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper steering column covers
   With steering wheel removed, remove the upper steering column cover screws. Carefully separate and remove the upper cover sections, noting the location of any clips. Disconnect the multifunction switch connector if necessary for cover removal.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly. There will typically be 2-3 connectors including airbag, cruise control, and steering wheel controls. Note connector positions and carefully disconnect each one. Remove any connector screws securing connectors to the clock spring housing.
   Torque spec

   Connector Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the clock spring, verify the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and rotor are visible and aligned. If factory marks are not visible, create your own alignment marks using a marker. Note the exact rotational position. This is critical for proper reinstallation.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marking is essential. Misalignment will damage the new clock spring and may prevent airbag deployment.
8. 8

   Remove old clock spring
   Remove the clock spring mounting screws using appropriate Torx bit (typically T20 or T30). There are usually 3-4 screws securing the clock spring to the steering column. Carefully slide the clock spring off the steering shaft while keeping the shaft stationary. Do not rotate the steering shaft.
   ⚠️Do not allow steering shaft to rotate during clock spring removal or installation. This will cause misalignment.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare new clock spring
   Verify the new clock spring is in the centered position - it should have a locking pin or tape holding it centered. Do not remove the centering mechanism yet. Confirm the new clock spring is the correct part number for your F-150 model year and options. Inspect for any shipping damage.
   ℹ️New clock springs come pre-centered from the factory with a locking mechanism. Do not rotate the clock spring hub until after installation is complete.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    With steering shaft still in centered position, carefully slide the new clock spring onto the steering column shaft, aligning the mounting holes. Ensure any alignment tabs or keys are properly seated. Install the clock spring mounting screws and torque to specification. Verify clock spring is flush against mounting surface.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring in their original positions. Ensure each connector clicks securely into place. Install any connector retaining screws and torque to specification. Route wiring as originally configured to prevent interference with steering operation.
    Torque spec

    Connector Screws5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Remove clock spring centering lock
    With the clock spring now securely mounted and connected, remove the centering pin, tab, or tape that was holding the clock spring in the centered position. Verify the rotor can move freely but has not been rotated from center position. Confirm alignment marks are still properly aligned.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering column covers and steering wheel
    Install the upper steering column covers and secure with screws to specification. Align the steering wheel with the shaft using your alignment marks. Slide steering wheel onto shaft ensuring clock spring wiring is not pinched. Install the steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Reconnect any steering wheel electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector and horn connector. Position the airbag module on the steering wheel, ensuring connectors are not pinched. Install the airbag module retaining bolts through the rear access holes and torque to specification using Torx T50 bit.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connector is fully seated and locked before installing module to steering wheel.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install lower column covers and reconnect battery
    Install the lower steering column cover halves, ensuring all clips are properly engaged. Install cover screws to specification. Reconnect any switch connectors. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Battery Terminal Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Confirm steering wheel returns to center freely and alignment marks are correct
3. Check that no wiring is pinched or interfering with steering operation
4. Ensure all trim panels and covers are properly secured with no gaps or misalignment

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes after 6-10 seconds
• Test horn operation by pressing horn pad
• Test all steering wheel controls including cruise control, audio controls, and any other switches
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock slowly while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• If airbag light remains illuminated, scan for diagnostic trouble codes using a Ford-compatible scan tool
• Perform a test drive and verify all steering wheel functions operate correctly throughout full steering range

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