Why is my steering wheel dependent on a clock spring?
Because the airbag in your steering wheel is dependent on a functional clock spring, it’s crucial that the clock spring is in good working condition. Keep reading to understand how a clock spring works, what symptoms of a broken clock spring are, and the average replacement cost is. What is a Clock Spring? What Does a Clock Spring Do?
How does a clock spring work on a car?
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.
Do you need to reset the clock spring?
Install the steering wheel. Setting the clock spring (centering the clock spring) is very simple and should be completed with care. Note that some vehicles integrate the steering angle sensor into the clock spring. If your vehicle has an integrated steering angle sensor, you will need to reset the clock spring/steering angle sensor.
What causes a clock spring to go bad?
This part can go bad when these wires become fatigued and break causing a short or open circuit. If repairs are being done which involve the removal of the steering wheel and the clock spring and it is mistreated by over extending the internal wires it will also break the clock spring.
How does a clock spring work on a steering wheel?
It’s called a clock spring because it rotates (like a clock!) as you turn the steering wheel. Inside a bundle of small wires is spiraled around a center point, and those are wrapped freely in both directions. If it wasn’t for the clock spring all those wires would tear apart as you turned the wheel back and forth.
What happens if your clock spring stops working?
If the clock spring stops working, the communication between your steering wheel and the car’s computers stop working too. A faulty clock spring will disable the steering wheel airbag, prevent the horn from working, and disable access to steering wheel mounted button features like radio controls and cruise control.
What is the function of a Ford clock spring?
The function of a Ford clock spring is a vital part of your Ford vehicle, feeding power between certain systems in the steering wheel, for example; horn, airbag and speed control switches.
Can a clock spring be re-used in a car?
Clock springs are cheap, and it’s important to have a reliable unit since they may be involved with the correct function of the driver’s airbag, the horn, cruise control, and traction and stability control systems. Can You Re-use a Clock Spring?