electrical

Clock Spring

for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

Replace the steering wheel clock spring assembly to restore airbag and steering wheel control functionality on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect the 12V battery and wait minimum 3 minutes before beginning work to allow SRS (airbag) system capacitors to discharge. Failure to do so may result in airbag deployment and serious injury.

⚠️Never rotate the clock spring when removed from the steering column or with the steering wheel removed. This will damage the internal ribbon cable.

⚠Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position and steering wheel is centered before removal. Mark steering shaft and wheel position with tape for reference.

⚠SRS system fault codes will be stored during this procedure. A Rivian diagnostic tool or compatible scan tool will be required to clear codes after completion.

ℹ️This vehicle uses an electronic parking brake. Ensure vehicle is securely supported and brake is engaged before beginning work.

Tools required

Torx driver set (T20, T25, T30)Essential

Steering wheel pullerEssential

Trim removal tool setEssential

Battery disconnect toolEssential

Multimeter

Masking tape

Torque wrenchEssential

Parts

Clock spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
Steering wheel bolt (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
Engage electronic parking brake
Turn vehicle completely off and remove key card from vehicle interior
Open frunk and locate 12V battery
Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using battery disconnect tool
Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
Place tape marker on steering wheel and steering column to indicate center position
Gather all tools and new clock spring assembly

Procedure

1
Remove lower steering column covers
Using trim removal tools, carefully pry and remove the lower steering column cover panels. Start at the rear clips and work forward. Remove T20 Torx screws securing upper and lower column shrouds. Separate the two halves and set aside.
2
Disconnect steering wheel connectors
Locate the driver airbag connector on the back of the steering wheel. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect. Disconnect the steering wheel control module connectors (typically 2-3 connectors for buttons, haptic feedback, and heating if equipped). Label connectors if needed for reassembly.
3
Remove driver airbag module
Locate the two T30 Torx bolts on the back side of the steering wheel (accessible through holes in wheel structure). Remove both bolts while supporting the airbag module. Carefully pull airbag module straight back from steering wheel and set aside in safe location with airbag facing upward.
4
Remove steering wheel retaining bolt
Locate the central steering wheel retaining bolt. Using appropriate socket, loosen and remove the bolt completely. Note: This bolt may have threadlocker applied. If steering wheel does not release easily after bolt removal, do not force it.
5
Remove steering wheel
Install steering wheel puller according to tool manufacturer instructions. Apply even pressure to release steering wheel from steering shaft splines. Once loosened, remove puller and lift steering wheel straight off shaft. Keep steering wheel oriented straight ahead and set aside safely.
6
Disconnect clock spring electrical connectors
Locate the clock spring connectors on the stationary side of the assembly (typically 2 connectors: one for airbag circuit, one for steering wheel controls). Press connector release tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors from the clock spring.
7
Remove clock spring retaining fasteners
Identify the clock spring mounting screws (typically 3-4 T25 or T30 Torx screws around the perimeter). Remove all retaining screws while supporting the clock spring assembly to prevent it from falling.
8
Remove old clock spring assembly
Carefully pull the clock spring assembly straight off the steering column. Note the orientation and position of any alignment tabs or guides. Inspect the steering column for any debris or damage.
9
Prepare new clock spring
Remove new clock spring from packaging. Verify the clock spring is locked in the centered position (should have a locking pin or tape holding it centered). Do NOT remove the centering lock yet. Verify the clock spring part number matches the old unit.
10
Install new clock spring assembly
Align the new clock spring with the steering column shaft and alignment guides. Ensure the assembly is fully seated against the column. Install all retaining screws and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Do not overtighten plastic-mounted fasteners.
11
Connect clock spring electrical connectors
Reconnect both electrical connectors to the new clock spring assembly. Ensure connectors click fully into place and locking tabs are engaged. Verify routing of wiring harness does not interfere with steering shaft rotation.
12
Remove clock spring centering lock
With clock spring installed and verified centered, remove the centering lock pin or tape from the new clock spring assembly. The internal ribbon cable is now free to rotate with steering input.
13
Reinstall steering wheel
Align steering wheel with steering shaft splines, ensuring alignment marks on wheel and column match (straight ahead position). Slide steering wheel onto shaft until fully seated. Install and torque steering wheel retaining bolt per manufacturer specification (typically 35-45 ft-lbs, but verify with service information).
14
Reconnect steering wheel controls and test
Reconnect all steering wheel control module connectors in reverse order of removal. Ensure all connections are secure and fully seated. Verify proper routing of all wiring.
15
Reinstall driver airbag module
Carefully align driver airbag module with steering wheel mounting points. Connect the airbag connector first, ensuring it clicks into place. Position airbag module and install both T30 Torx retaining bolts. Tighten bolts securely but do not overtighten.

Reassembly

Reinstall upper and lower steering column covers and secure with T20 Torx screws
Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
Power on vehicle and verify SRS warning light illuminates then extinguishes (if light stays on, fault codes must be cleared)
Test all steering wheel controls including horn, audio controls, cruise control, and any other integrated buttons
Verify haptic feedback and heated steering wheel function if equipped

Verification

Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
Confirm SRS airbag warning light behaves normally (illuminates with ignition on, then extinguishes after system check)
Test all steering wheel-mounted controls for proper operation
Use Rivian diagnostic tool or compatible scan tool to verify no active SRS fault codes
Clear any stored SRS codes related to the clock spring replacement procedure
Perform a test drive to verify all steering and safety systems function normally
Verify steering wheel remains centered when driving straight