Clockspring question....

R

Riles

LVC Member
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Location
south Bend, IN and/or Marlboro, NJ
I've done quite a bit of searching to figure out that my airbag light (blinking 3-2) is probably the clockspring. I've also found the guide to steering wheel removal, so I'm all set. My only question is- if I pull off the steering wheel, can I look at the clockspring and tell if it is broken? Or would it be some kind of internal damage?

I don't even know what a clockspring looks like, but it would be nice to know that it is definitely the problem before ordering a new one.

Thanks guys!
 
just buy the clockspring.

It is much more than you think and the problem will not be visible.

Inside the black portion that mounts on the steering column is a ribbon of plastic that has the circuitry embedded in it to moved the signals from the switches and airbag to the harness under the column.
It breaks somewhere in side the ribbon and that is the end of it.

I just did mine and took apart the old one. I found the open line in the ribbon by continuity testing, but I cannot see the break anywhere.

Just replace it and be done with it.
 
Just to update the thread, I replaced the clockspring and it fixed the light.

I didn't have a wheel puller, so I heated the metal of the steering wheel up using a propane torch on the lowest setting, and the wheel almost fell off. I wouldn't call it a stress free fix, but it was very straightforward. Anybody who is thinking of doing it... just do it. But make sure you have the T-50 torx socket before you start!
 
good work.

Working around an air-bag can be a little unnerving as well....
 
by any chance did you take pics? .. i also need to change my clockspring
 
I just did mine, it's self explanatory when you get in there, theres a few moments where you go, "wtf?" than it's clear.
 
Riles said:
I didn't have a wheel puller, so I heated the metal of the steering wheel up using a propane torch on the lowest setting, and the wheel almost fell off.
Click to expand...

I have to admit...I've never heard of that being done before on a steering wheel...and I've been around this for 40 years. Pretty innovative!
 
Thanks! I was careful not to let the flame get anywhere near plastic, and it doesn't look like I melted anything. I was just getting frustrated since I had already stopped once to go buy a T-50 socket. I read that somebody just yanked on theirs, but that didnt work for me.

Jumpman: Just make sure to use the walkthrough on the lskoncepts website. I cant remember the link, but i found it by searching this board. It has pictures and a simple walkthrough. It did the work for me.
 
If anybody knows where that walk through is that would be great. i also have to change my clockspring, among other things... lol. glad to know im not the only one. haha
 
hey guys, would the clockspring cause this problem????

when i turn on my car (usually when its cold), it tends to idle pretty high!!! usually around 2500 rpms. does this sound normal to any of u or has anybody else had this problem??? this only happens when the cars is cold and in park position..
 
mamichaser said:
hey guys, would the clockspring cause this problem????

when i turn on my car (usually when its cold), it tends to idle pretty high!!! usually around 2500 rpms. does this sound normal to any of u or has anybody else had this problem??? this only happens when the cars is cold and in park position..
Click to expand...

no - the clockspring allows the wires for the steer wheel radio controls and airbag to travel from the steering wheel down through the steering colunm to the rest of the car. It allows the wiring to be connected even though the steering wheel turns.....
 
can someone tell me how much a clock spring assembly costs? and where aside from the dealer i may be able to buy one? thanks.
 
clockspring

Hi Mike

The clockspring is model year specific. The early ones (XW4Z-14A664-AA)are $110 retail and cost LVC $93. and the newer ones (3W4Z14A664-AA)are now $50. and cost you $34.
Not knowing the car, a junk yard one might be ok but with the airbag involved and the relativly low price you may want to stick with a new one.
Thank You
Max Zuckerberg
Five Star Ford
Scottsdale Arizona
Parts Specialist
Direct 1-800-866-1520 ext 236
Fax 1-480-949-8478
parts@fivestarford.com
 
clockspring

Do yourself a favor and buy the puller. Makes the job so much easier and it is a useful tool in a number of jobs if you do much work on your car, atv, boat, etc.
 
+1

you need this:

t74104.jpg


or you will have a very hard time getting the steering wheel off.
 
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