Clock Spring

Remove and replace the steering wheel clock spring (spiral cable) assembly on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 4.0L Turbo V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly (spiral cable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn steering wheel to center the front wheels in straight-ahead position
3. Mark the exact center position of the steering wheel with tape on the wheel rim and column shroud for reference
4. Turn ignition OFF and remove key from vehicle
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Disconnect positive battery terminal to ensure complete system isolation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column trim covers
   Locate and remove the Torx fasteners securing the lower steering column shroud (typically 2-3 fasteners accessible from the bottom). Gently release any retaining clips on the sides of the lower shroud and remove it downward. Set aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column trim covers
   With the lower shroud removed, locate the Torx fasteners on the upper column shroud (typically 2 fasteners). Remove these fasteners and separate the upper shroud by releasing the retaining tabs at the rear. Lift the upper shroud away from the column. Note the routing of any wire harnesses before removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect driver airbag module
   On the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module spring clips (one on each side). Using a small flat tool or Torx driver, release the spring clips through the access holes in the steering wheel spokes. Carefully pull the airbag module forward from the steering wheel. Disconnect the yellow airbag connector by pressing the locking tab and separating. Disconnect the horn connector if present. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel center bolt
   Locate the steering wheel center bolt (verify exact drive type — commonly a Torx or Ribe/12-point bolt on this platform, not a hex). Before removal, mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft using tape or paint marker to ensure correct reinstallation alignment. Remove the center bolt completely; note that Mercedes steering wheel bolts are frequently single-use torque-to-yield fasteners requiring replacement — verify against Mercedes specifications. Do not turn the steering wheel or shaft from this point forward.
5. 5

   Remove steering wheel
   After removing the center bolt, grasp the steering wheel firmly and pull it straight off the splined shaft by hand while gently rocking side to side. On this platform a puller is generally not required. Once free, lift the steering wheel straight off the column. Set aside on a clean, protected surface.
6. 6

   Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly. Typically there are 2-3 connectors: the main multifunction connector (gray or black), and possibly separate connectors for steering angle sensor or other steering wheel functions. Press the locking tabs and disconnect each connector. Note the orientation and routing of each connector for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove clock spring mounting fasteners
   Locate the Torx fasteners securing the clock spring assembly to the steering column (typically 3-4 T25 or T30 fasteners arranged in a circle around the column). Remove all fasteners completely and retain them for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove old clock spring assembly
   Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column shaft. Note the position of any alignment features or locating pins. Inspect the steering column shaft splines and clean any debris or corrosion with a clean cloth. Do not allow the steering shaft to rotate from center position.
9. 9

   Prepare new clock spring for installation
   Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify the clock spring is in the centered position by checking the indicator window or centering mark (typically shows 'centered' or has alignment arrows). If the clock spring is not centered or has a locking pin installed, follow the manufacturer's centering procedure: gently rotate the hub fully in one direction until it stops, then rotate back in the opposite direction counting the turns, then rotate back to the halfway point. Some units come with a centering pin or locking mechanism that must remain in place until after installation.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring assembly
    Align the clock spring assembly with the steering column shaft, ensuring any locating pins or alignment features are properly positioned. Slide the assembly onto the column until it seats fully against the column housing. Verify all alignment features are engaged correctly.
11. 11

    Install clock spring mounting fasteners
    Install all clock spring mounting fasteners finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all fasteners are started, torque them in a cross-pattern sequence to the Mercedes-specified value for the clock spring housing screws (typically low, on the order of 2-5 Nm for small plastic-housing fasteners — verify against Mercedes documentation; do not use the higher steering wheel bolt torque here). Verify the clock spring sits flush against the column housing with no gaps.
12. 12

    Connect clock spring electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly in the reverse order of removal. Ensure each connector locks with an audible click. Verify proper seating by gently pulling on each connector. Route all wiring as originally noted to prevent pinching during steering wheel installation. Remove any centering pin or locking device from the clock spring if present.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal, ensuring the splines on the steering shaft match the wheel hub. Slide the steering wheel onto the shaft, aligning it carefully to maintain the centered position. The wheel should slide on with moderate force. Install a new center bolt if required and torque to Mercedes specification — note this is frequently a torque-plus-angle procedure rather than a single torque value; verify exact spec against Mercedes documentation before final tightening. Verify steering wheel is centered with front wheels pointing straight ahead.
14. 14

    Reconnect and install driver airbag module
    Reconnect the yellow airbag connector and horn connector to the steering wheel wiring. Ensure both connectors are fully locked. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel hub, aligning the mounting points. Press firmly until both spring clips engage with audible clicks on each side. Verify the airbag is secure by attempting to pull it away from the wheel.
15. 15

    Reinstall steering column trim covers
    Position the upper steering column shroud over the column, ensuring all wire harnesses route correctly without pinching. Install the Torx fasteners and tighten securely. Install the lower column shroud, engaging all retaining clips, then install the lower shroud Torx fasteners and tighten securely.
16. 16

    Reconnect battery and clear fault codes
    Reconnect positive battery terminal first, then negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Observe the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster; it should illuminate briefly and then extinguish after 3-6 seconds. If the airbag light remains on or flashes, use a Mercedes-compatible diagnostic scan tool to read and clear any stored fault codes related to the airbag system and steering angle sensor. Perform steering angle sensor calibration if required by the scan tool.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in the steps above, following reverse order of disassembly with specific torque specifications applied
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before battery reconnection
3. Verify steering wheel center alignment matches the straight-ahead wheel position before final tightening

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify the airbag warning light extinguishes after 3-6 seconds of self-check
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock, listening for any unusual noises or binding from the clock spring
• Test all steering wheel controls: horn, cruise control buttons, audio controls, paddle shifters (if equipped), and voice command button to verify clock spring electrical continuity
• Verify steering angle sensor is functioning by observing stability control system operation or checking with scan tool
• Perform a short test drive and verify all steering wheel functions operate correctly throughout the steering range
• Check for any new airbag or steering-related fault codes with diagnostic scan tool after test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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