Replacement of the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column, which maintains electrical connection between the steering wheel controls and vehicle systems while allowing the wheel to rotate.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly (spiral cable) × 1 — 84306-06140 or equivalent OEM
• Steering wheel center pad clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 90 seconds for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead
5. Set parking brake and chock rear wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   Locate the two Torx access holes on the sides of the steering wheel (behind the wheel). Insert T30 Torx bit and turn counterclockwise to release the airbag retaining springs on each side. Carefully pull the airbag module straight back from the steering wheel.
2. 2

   Disconnect airbag connectors
   Locate the yellow airbag connector and horn connector on the back of the airbag module. Press the locking tab and disconnect both connectors. Remove airbag module and place face-up on a clean surface away from work area.
   ⚠Handle airbag module carefully. Never drop, strike, or place face-down.
3. 3

   Mark steering wheel alignment
   Use masking tape or paint pen to mark the exact relationship between the steering wheel and the steering shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation alignment. Mark both the wheel hub and the shaft splines.
4. 4

   Remove steering wheel nut and wheel
   Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the steering wheel center nut. Note the position of any washers. Firmly grip the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull straight back while rocking gently. If wheel does not release, use a steering wheel puller. Do not strike the wheel or shaft.
   ⚠Never use excessive force or hammer on steering wheel. This can damage the steering shaft or clock spring.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column covers (typically 2-3 screws). Disengage the plastic clips by gently prying with trim tools. Remove both upper and lower column covers to expose the clock spring assembly.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark clock spring alignment
   Before removing the old clock spring, identify and mark the alignment marks on the clock spring housing and steering column. These marks must align during reinstallation. Take a photo for reference if needed.
   ⚠️Alignment marks are critical. Incorrect alignment will cause clock spring failure.
7. 7

   Disconnect clock spring connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors attached to the clock spring (typically 2-3 connectors for steering wheel controls, airbag, and horn). Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note their positions for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove clock spring assembly
   Remove the screws securing the clock spring to the steering column (typically 3 screws). Carefully slide the clock spring assembly off the steering shaft. Do not rotate the inner hub of the old clock spring during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Center new clock spring
   Verify the new clock spring is properly centered before installation. Most new units come pre-centered with a locking pin or tape. If centering is needed: rotate the inner hub fully clockwise until it stops, then rotate counterclockwise approximately 2.5 turns until the alignment marks line up and the arrows or marks indicate center position.
   ⚠️An improperly centered clock spring will break during normal steering operation. Verify center position before installation.
10. 10

    Install new clock spring
    With the steering shaft still in the straight-ahead position, carefully slide the new centered clock spring onto the steering shaft. Align the marks on the clock spring housing with the marks on the steering column. Install and torque the retaining screws in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the clock spring assembly, ensuring each connector clicks securely into place. Verify proper seating of each connector locking tab.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Remove any centering pin or tape from the new clock spring. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide onto the steering shaft, ensuring proper spline engagement. Install the center nut and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the lower steering column cover, then the upper cover. Ensure all plastic clips engage properly. Install and torque the cover screws to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect and install airbag module
    Connect the yellow airbag connector and horn connector to the back of the airbag module until they click. Position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting tabs. Push firmly until the module seats completely. The retaining springs will automatically engage.
    ⚠Verify both connectors are fully seated before installing airbag module.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). 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 before operating vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify steering wheel is properly centered with wheels straight ahead
3. Confirm airbag module is securely latched on both sides
4. Double-check that clock spring alignment marks were properly aligned during installation

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light extinguishes after 6 seconds
• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left and right while stationary - verify no binding or unusual resistance
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio, phone buttons) for proper operation
• Test horn function
• Perform a test drive and verify no warning lights appear and all steering wheel functions operate correctly
• If airbag light remains on, use scan tool to check for diagnostic codes and verify clock spring circuit continuity

More procedures for this vehicle