Where do I buy a.....

[JAM]

I have the 3-2 SRS (airbag) code on the dash coupled with my cruise control having intermitent probs so looks like it is time to replace the clock spring. Thanks to those posts and the awesome description of how to replace this, I have replaced one in another ford and it looks like about the same process.

The only thing i could not find is where to buy the replacement, I am assuming this is a dealer item only but wanted to find out for sure before being bent over by the stealership? About how much do they cost??

 

[joegr]

Maxx at Five Star Ford, ad to the right. ->

 

[ridefst]

Bought mine at tascaparts.com this summer

Items Ordered:
P/N: XW4Z14A664AA
Item: , Clockspring, ls6, ls8
Price: $92.77
Tax: $0.00
Qty: 1
Shipping: $10.00
Handling Fee: $0.00
Order Total: $102.77

 

[tireman]

clockspring

how about rockauto.com? look around. I'm thinking, it's not really the clockspring that's bad, but the multi-line wire from the clockspring, as an experiment ohm out the wires for breaks.

 

[ridefst]

how about rockauto.com? look around. I'm thinking, it's not really the clockspring that's bad, but the multi-line wire from the clockspring, as an experiment ohm out the wires for breaks.

Despite the name, there isn't actually any sort of "spring" inside a clockspring.
You're right that the problem must be somewhere in the 3' long ribbon cable, as that's really all there is to it.
However, it's not just a wire, it's more like a flexible circuit board, so it would be pretty hard to find the break (as it likely only breaks when flexed a certain way) and also hard to repair.
Just for kicks, I did check resistance on my bad unit and didn't find anything that appeared open or high, but the new unit fixed all my problems.

 

[joegr]

how about rockauto.com? look around. I'm thinking, it's not really the clockspring that's bad, but the multi-line wire from the clockspring, as an experiment ohm out the wires for breaks.

That "multi-line wire" is the clockspring.

 

[Frogman]

Just buy it from Max. That way you know you'll get the right part at the best possible price, even if you pay a couple of extra dollars for the Customer Service you get from him.

He's a sponsor here, it would be nice if you supported our sponsors. Of course, you don't have to, but damn it... If you don't, I will send a Ninja Midget to kick your ass.

 

[cammerfe]

I was led to believe that the problems with 'clocksprings' is the wear in the contacts area. Am I wrong?

KS

 

[ridefst]

I was led to believe that the problems with 'clocksprings' is the wear in the contacts area. Am I wrong?

KS

I'm afraid so...
While I'm believe some cars use a circular track and sliding contacts to make an electrical connenction (and this connection can wear and/or get dirty), this is not one of them.

It's a long ribbon cable coiled around the center of the steering column, and it has enough slack that it can be coiled a turn or two tighter or looser as the wheel is turned. No moving connections, just a flexing cable that eventually gives out.