Clockspring making a ticking noise when I turn the wheel...*story*

[Myco]

So, most of you guys know I did an interior swap. I'll post pictures soon I hope. Still haven't gotten around to doing that.

Anyway, I got a new wheel from Greg the other day. Except it wasn't just the wheel it was the entire steering column. Greg (GMAN) said the clockspring on it was brand new too. Got it at a good deal *thanks greg*. and it's black to match my interior.

So yesterday I put it on and when I was turning the wheel lock to lock it sounded like there was a clicking sound inside. Maybe like something was flopping around inside the unit...

The airbag light that's been blinking on my dash for 2 years is gone *YAY* but when I turn the wheel there is definitely some type of clicking or popping sound inside. Before I pull the airbag to see if there is anything inside that could be flopping around does anyone know what this could be?

Thanks

 

[Sonny Day Out]

Myco,

It is possible that the steering wheel was turned too much while the steering column was not in a car ! The clock spring could have then broken when the steering wheel was turned ( usually to the left ) ! If the air bag light blinks 3 times and then 2 times , the clock spring is most likely broken ! The cruise control is most likely inoperative as well !

Good Luck,
Sonny
cdaout1@cox.net

 

[Right on the Mark]

When clock springs are messed with they have to be tied up so no spinning of the unit. They come with a "key" lock in them when bought new to lock them. There is procedure to follow if spring unwinds. They tell you how many turns to wind then install. You might have this off.

 

[Sapperfire]

Sounds like the clock spring is broken to me, my 98 does the same thing, yet everything still works..so I just live with it

 

[Myco]

Well, the cruise control works and I have no blinking on the message unit. (I did before with my last clockspring.)

When clock springs are messed with they have to be tied up so no spinning of the unit. They come with a "key" lock in them when bought new to lock them. There is procedure to follow if spring unwinds. They tell you how many turns to wind then install. You might have this off.

I'd heard of this. I pulled the entire steering column off of gregs car. I didn't turn the wheel at all until I put it on my car. I bet I messed it up when I put it on my car as I didn't know if it was center or not so I turned it to lock both ways to see if it was in center. It was a first time for me so I didn't know this would cause an issue. There is a short behind the cruise control lights so I was planning on pulling the airbag also to see where that could be.

Anyone know of any procedures on how to fix this clockspring? I don't even know where to begin to look, but I"ll start looking around.

 

[Myco]

Grabbed a couple real quick.

 

[Myco]

Still have yet to paint the housing behind the steering wheel and the lower dash vents black.

 

[Sapperfire]

Careful, that plate right above the steering wheel is screwed in...you have to drop the column to get to the screws (so don't tug on it )

 

[DieselDan]

Did you turn it lock to lock while hooked up to the car, or before you installed it?

 

[Myco]

Did you turn it lock to lock while hooked up to the car, or before you installed it?

before I hooked It up.