This procedure replaces the clock spring in the steering column, which allows electrical connections between the vehicle's wiring and the steering wheel components including the airbag, horn, and cruise control.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel alignment marks (tape) × 1 — N/A

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Tape the steering wheel to the column or lock it in place to prevent rotation during service
5. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Lower Steering Column Covers
   Remove the lower steering column cover screws and gently pry the lower cover panel away from the column. The cover is secured by plastic clips in addition to screws. Work carefully to avoid breaking the clips. Remove the upper steering column cover in the same manner.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect Airbag Module
   Locate the driver's airbag module on the back of the steering wheel. Remove the two airbag module bolts using a Torx driver (typically T40). Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the airbag and horn. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠️Never place airbag module face-down as deployment could cause it to become a projectile
   Torque spec

   Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark Steering Wheel Alignment
   Before removing the steering wheel, use masking tape or a paint pen to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and the steering column shaft. This ensures proper reassembly alignment. Mark both the wheel hub and the shaft in at least two locations 180 degrees apart.
4. 4

   Remove Steering Wheel
   Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors behind the steering wheel (cruise control, audio controls, etc.). Remove the steering wheel nut using a socket and breaker bar. The nut may be very tight. Once loosened, thread the nut back on a few turns to protect the threads. Use a steering wheel puller or firm upward pulls while pulling back and forth to break the wheel free from the shaft. Remove the nut completely and lift the steering wheel off the column.
   ⚠Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer as this can damage the clock spring or column components
   Torque spec

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

   Mark Clock Spring Alignment
   With the steering wheel removed, you will see the clock spring assembly. Before removing it, mark the relationship between the clock spring and the steering column using tape or paint. Note the position of any alignment marks already present on the clock spring housing. Take photos if necessary to document the orientation.
6. 6

   Disconnect Clock Spring Connectors
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the clock spring assembly. There will typically be 2-4 connectors depending on vehicle options. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reassembly. Some connectors may have locking tabs that require pressing before removal.
7. 7

   Remove Clock Spring Assembly
   Remove the clock spring mounting screws securing the assembly to the steering column. Carefully slide the clock spring assembly off the steering column shaft. Do not rotate the steering column shaft or the internal mechanism of the old clock spring during removal.
   ⚠️If the steering column shaft rotates after clock spring removal, the shaft must be re-centered before installing the new clock spring
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare New Clock Spring
   Remove the new clock spring from its packaging. Most new clock springs come pre-centered with a locking pin or tape to prevent rotation during installation. Verify that the new clock spring is in the centered position by checking for the alignment marks visible through the housing window. Do not remove the centering pin or tape yet. Confirm the new clock spring matches the old unit in connector configuration and mounting points.
9. 9

   Install New Clock Spring
   Align the new clock spring with the steering column shaft, ensuring the alignment marks on the clock spring match the marks you made on the column. Carefully slide the clock spring onto the shaft. Install the clock spring mounting screws and torque to specification. Only after the clock spring is fully secured, remove the centering pin or tape from the new clock spring.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect Clock Spring Connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and the locking tabs engage. Route the wiring harness as it was originally positioned to prevent pinching during steering wheel installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall Steering Wheel
    Remove the tape or ties securing the steering wheel position. Align the steering wheel with your alignment marks from step 3 and slide it onto the steering column shaft. Ensure the wheel is fully seated against the clock spring. Install the steering wheel nut and torque to specification. Reconnect all steering wheel electrical connectors (cruise control, audio controls, etc.).
    Torque spec

    Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall Airbag Module
    Reconnect the airbag and horn electrical connectors. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel, ensuring the connectors are not pinched. Install the two airbag module bolts and torque to specification using a Torx driver. Ensure the airbag is flush and properly seated in the steering wheel.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Steering Column Covers
    Reinstall the upper and lower steering column covers. Ensure all plastic clips engage properly before installing the cover screws. Torque the screws to specification, being careful not to overtighten and crack the plastic.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect Battery and Clear Codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start) and verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes. If the light remains on, use a scan tool to check for codes and verify proper clock spring installation. Clear any stored airbag codes if installation is confirmed correct.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure steering wheel turns smoothly lock-to-lock without binding
3. Confirm airbag warning light operates normally (illuminates briefly at startup then turns off)

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the airbag warning light turns off after initial startup sequence
• Test horn operation by pressing the horn button
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio controls, etc.) for proper operation
• Turn the steering wheel fully left and right several times to verify smooth operation and confirm clock spring is functioning through full range of motion
• Use a scan tool to verify no airbag system fault codes are present
• Test drive the vehicle and verify all steering wheel functions operate normally

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