This procedure replaces the clock spring (spiral cable) assembly in the steering column, which connects the steering wheel airbag and controls to the vehicle's wiring harness.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clock spring assembly (spiral cable) × 1 — 84306-06180 or equivalent OEM
• Steering wheel center pad clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 90 seconds before proceeding (allows airbag capacitors to discharge)
4. Position steering wheel straight and verify wheels are centered
5. Gather all tools and new clock spring assembly
6. Review alignment marks on old clock spring before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect Battery
   Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal bolt. Move the cable away from the terminal and secure it so it cannot make contact. Wait a minimum of 90 seconds to allow the airbag system capacitors to fully discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Steering Column Covers
   Remove the lower steering column cover by releasing the plastic clips using trim tools. Remove the upper steering column cover screws (typically 2-3 screws) and separate the upper cover from the column. Set covers aside in a clean area.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove Driver Airbag Module
   Locate the Torx screws on the sides of the steering wheel (access holes may be present). Using a T30 or T40 Torx bit, remove both airbag module mounting screws. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag connector and horn connector by pressing the locking tabs. Place airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area.
   ⚠️Always place airbag module face-up on a clean, flat surface. Never place face-down as deployment could cause it to become a projectile.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark Steering Wheel Position
   Before removing the steering wheel, use a paint pen or tape to mark the alignment between the steering wheel and steering shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation. Verify the wheels are still pointing straight ahead.
5. 5

   Remove Steering Wheel
   Using a 19mm socket, remove the steering wheel center nut. Do not remove completely yet - leave it threaded on a few turns. Rock the steering wheel gently while pulling toward you to break it free from the shaft. If stuck, use a steering wheel puller. Remove the nut completely and lift the steering wheel off the column while feeding wiring through the center. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors (cruise control, audio controls).
   ⚠Do not strike the steering wheel or shaft with a hammer. Use a proper puller if wheel is seized.
   Torque spec

   Steering Wheel Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark Clock Spring Alignment
   Locate the yellow alignment marks on the clock spring housing and rotor. Take a photo or make additional alignment marks with a paint pen showing the neutral position. This is critical - the clock spring must be reinstalled in the exact same position to prevent damage when the steering wheel is turned.
   ⚠️Clock spring position is critical. If installed off-center, it will break when steering is turned to full lock, requiring another replacement.
7. 7

   Disconnect Clock Spring Connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors on the clock spring assembly (typically 2-4 connectors for airbag, horn, and steering controls). Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note the routing of wiring harnesses for reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove Clock Spring Assembly
   Locate the clock spring mounting screws (typically 3 screws around the perimeter). Using the appropriate socket or screwdriver, remove all mounting screws. Carefully lift the clock spring assembly off the steering column shaft. Do not rotate the inner rotor if you plan to diagnose the old unit.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare New Clock Spring
   Remove the new clock spring from packaging. Verify it has the yellow centering lock pin or tape installed - this keeps it in the neutral position. Do NOT remove the centering lock yet. Verify the new part matches the old clock spring connector configuration. If the new clock spring is not centered, follow manufacturer centering instructions before installation.
   ⚠Never rotate a clock spring unless it is properly centered and locked. Verify centering pin is in place before installation.
10. 10

    Install New Clock Spring
    With the steering column still pointed straight ahead, align the new clock spring onto the steering shaft. Ensure the alignment marks on the column match the clock spring housing position. Install the mounting screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Connect all electrical connectors ensuring they lock securely with an audible click.
    Torque spec

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

    Remove Clock Spring Centering Lock
    Once the clock spring is securely mounted and all connectors are attached, remove the yellow centering pin or locking tape from the new clock spring. The rotor is now free to move with steering wheel rotation.
12. 12

    Reinstall Steering Wheel
    Route the steering wheel wiring through the center opening. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during disassembly and slide onto the steering shaft splines. Reconnect any electrical connectors for steering controls. Install the steering wheel nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the steering wheel is straight and centered.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall Airbag Module
    Reconnect the airbag connector and horn connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure both connectors lock securely. Carefully position the airbag module into the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install both Torx mounting screws and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the module is flush and secure.
    Torque spec

    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall Steering Column Covers
    Position the upper steering column cover and install the mounting screws, tightening to specification. Snap the lower cover into place, ensuring all clips engage properly. Verify covers are secure and aligned.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Covers3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect Battery and Clear Codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start). The airbag warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then turn off. If light remains on, use a scan tool to check for airbag system codes.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed precisely, especially for airbag and steering wheel components
2. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointed straight ahead
3. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Do not skip the 90-second wait period after battery reconnection if you need to disconnect again

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then turns off (approximately 6 seconds)
• Start engine and verify horn functions properly by pressing center of steering wheel
• Test all steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio, phone buttons) for proper operation
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify clock spring has full range of motion without binding
• Test drive vehicle and verify steering wheel remains centered during straight-line driving
• Use scan tool to verify no airbag system fault codes are present
• Confirm no clicking or binding noises when turning steering wheel

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