Does a clock spring affect steering?
What Does a Clock Spring Do? As you turn the steering wheel, the coil of wires within the clock spring winds and unwinds, maintaining an electrical connection for the airbag and steering wheel controls. Since the steering wheel is directly connected to the tires, the steering wheel is affected by this centering force.
What is the purpose of the clock spring behind the steering wheel on a steering column?
In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector which allows a vehicle’s steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle’s horn and other devices and the vehicle’s electrical systems.
How do I recenter my clock spring?
Re: Centering the Clock Spring? With the clock spring un-installed and in your hands, very gently, rotate the white center part in one direction until you reach some slight resistance. Rotate the center part the opposite direction, counting the number of revolutions/turns, until you get the same slight resistance.
How long does it take to replace a clock spring?
The average clock spring repair is going to take less than one hour. During the repair, the steering wheel cover will be removed. Once the cover is removed, the airbag will be unbolted and the wiring will be disconnected. When disconnected, the entire steering wheel will be removed from the assembly.
Where does the clock spring go on a steering wheel?
One part of the outer assembly follows the steering wheel, and the other part attaches to the steering column. This device is sometimes referred to as a spiral cable, airbag clock spring, steering wheel clock spring, clock spring assembly, cable reel, or contact reel, depending on the vehicle and where you live.
How does an airbag clock spring work in a car?
An airbag clock spring is used to connect the steering wheel to other electrical devices such as the airbag safety system, radio volume and station selections, horn and cruise controls. This is done using a series of small wires wound between an upper and lower plate which is mounted between the steering column and the steering wheel.
When does a car clock spring go bad?
This is done using a series of small wires wound between an upper and lower plate which is mounted between the steering column and the steering wheel. This part can go bad when these wires become fatigued and break causing a short or open circuit.
Why does the steering wheel return to its centered position?
The reason a steering wheel returns to its centered position when you let go of the wheel is because of the vehicle’s caster angle, not the clock spring. Most vehicles have a positive caster angle.