You may have thought about how all the electronic components in a steering wheel are able to communicate with the car when the driver turns the steering wheel several times in each direction.
This is what a clock spring does! The clock spring is pretty hidden, so most people don’t know much about it.
If you have looked at the steering wheels on a modern vehicle, you probably were surprised by all the functionality. Unfortunately, this also means many functionalities that could potentially fail like when the clock spring malfunctions.
In this article, we will focus on the common symptoms associated with a bad clock spring, as well as what the cost will be for a replacement. Let’s start by taking a look at the signs to look for!
What Is A Clock Spring?
Clock springs are important in any automobile as they make it possible for several systems to work properly – cruise control, traction control systems, the horn, etc.
In other words, without a clock spring, many of these systems would no longer work in conjunction with each other the way that they do, and that is reason enough to not disregard the importance of this accessory.
Other Names For Clock Spring
A clock spring is also known as a coil spring unit, clock spring coil, spiral cable, contact reel, coil assembly and cable reel assembly. These names all refer to the same device whenever they are mentioned.
The function of a clock spring
The clock spring sends electronic signals from the steering wheel buttons to the control modules in the car and also sends the signal to the airbag in the steering wheel if an accident occurs.
The clock spring is simply a very long wire or string that is twisted many times around the inside of the clock spring unit, which allows it to turn the steering wheel without damage.
This is also why it is crucial to reset both the steering wheel and clock spring to the middle before installation; if you remove the clock spring and install it in the wrong position prior, you will snap it off when turning the steering wheel. This happens all the time.
Clock Spring location
The clock spring is found behind the steering wheel, usually part of the assembly of the area where the turn signal lever is.
In order to access or even see the clock spring, you have to remove both the steering wheel and the plastic covers that surround the axle of the steering wheel. Please remember to mark the steering wheel before you remove it to make sure to install it back in the same position as before.
Symptoms Of A Bad Clock Spring
A bad or failing clock spring will have common symptoms which includes: Your dashboard airbag light is lit, your buttons on the steering wheel will not work and/or your horn does not work.
Another symptom could be a steering wheel symbol lighting up on your dashboard (a traction control light).
Here is a more extensive list of the signs of a bad or failing clock spring:
#1. Airbag Warning Light.
Even if you have a car that does not have a lot of options, one thing you most likely have is an airbag in your steering wheel.
Any type of issue with an airbag is serious and can set off your airbag warning light on the dash. This is because any fault in this system can cause an airbag to deploy, or worse not deploy at all in the event of a crash.
Because of this, the airbag or srs light is one of the most common indicators of a bad clock spring especially if the light came on when the steering wheel was turned.
#2. Steering wheel buttons don’t work.
Many car models have a lot of buttons on the steering wheel, like the cruise control, or radio volume buttons. If you’ve noticed that these buttons have completely stopped working, it is likely that there is something broken inside of the clock spring unit.
Try pressing these buttons while you turn the steering wheel at the same time. If they only work in a certain position of the steering wheel, the clock spring is definitely broken.
#3. Horn or other functions won’t work.
You likely don’t use the horn every day, and if you try to honk the horn and no sound comes out of the button, a broken clock spring is likely the issue.
Also, in this case, you can try to turn the steering wheel while holding the horn button down. If you hear a temporary sound, you definitely need to replace the clock spring.
#4. Steering wheel or traction control warning light.
You may not know that the cruise control works in conjunction with the traction control system and electronic throttle control system.
However, this means if there is a bad connection to the cruise control buttons in the steering wheel, it can also cause the traction control warning light or the electronic throttle warning light to come on.
You will have to check the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner to see if the clock spring is causing these lights to come on.
#5. Airbags Won’t Deploy.
In the worst case scenario, ignoring the airbag light, the airbags won’t deploy in an accident. While that’s not something you want to think about, it will happen if you ignore the airbag light.
This is why it’s important to be proactive and get the issue fixed when the airbag or srs light is present because once the airbag light is illuminated, the airbag will not deploy.
Can You Reuse a Clock Spring?
You can reuse a clock spring after a repair if you removed the clock spring properly.
Most car models require you to ensure that the steering wheel is in the middle position when you remove it, and you will need to Mark the position of the steering wheel to the steering axle.
Many clock springs have a small locking mechanism, and this part will come out when you remove the steering wheel. This will keep the clock spring from rotating until you install it again, if your clock spring has it. Many clock spring models also do not have this feature, so you will need to ensure you do not turn the clock spring past its initial position.
If you are lost and are not sure about the number of counts on the turns of the clock spring, you can turn it to max both in the right and left directions and find the middle position. You will also want to make sure the steering wheel position is the middle position as well.
Clock Spring replacement cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $800 for average clock spring replacement depending on the make, model and labor. The clock spring costs between $50 and $500, and labor prices can range from $50 to $300.
The significant variance in the price for higher amounts is because some car models will have a clock spring that is integrated into some control modules for the steering wheel. This is exceedingly annoying since this would result in a costly repair since you would need to get the entire unit replaced.
For many car models, the clock spring is also integrated into the steering angle sensor, which must be programmed and calibrated after replacement. This can escalate pricing for the labor work since for many car models you would need some diagnostic tools.
As a consolation, clock-spring replacements are normally cheap on most car models, and $100 to $200 is the average total replacement cost.
You also want to be diligent about any recalls for the clock spring, since this may result in a replacement for free.
Can you drive with a broken clock spring?
You can likely drive with a broken clock spring, though it is not advised. If your clock spring is broken, your airbag is no longer connected to your steering wheel — if you are in an accident, the air bag will not deploy.
Can a Clock Spring Be Repaired?
The clock spring is not worth repairing. You could replace the wire or clock spring inside of it, but it will not be with your effort. It is unlikely you’ll find just a clock spring wire for your specific car.
It is not common for the clock spring to go bad, and they are often affordable, so it makes much more sense to replace the whole unit.
How do I reset my clock spring?
If you rotate the clock spring by mistake when it isn’t installed in the car, you will need to reset it. To reset it, you will need to turn it fully to the right and then fully to the left and use that to count how many times you turned it.
Then you will turn it exactly halfway. If it was 5 turns, you will need to turn it exactly 2.5 turns back to get it to the center. Then you will need to center the steering wheel and you can install the clock spring.
How do you test a clock spring?
To check a clock spring, you need a diagnostic computer so that you can check if you are able to communicate with the electronics in the steering wheel. If the airbag is connected, do not use a multimeter to check the clock spring, this may cause to airbag to deploy, if you are unlucky.
If you hear your car stereo volume increase or decrease or there is a flash of a warning light ONLY when you are turning the steering wheel, that is a strong sign there is an issue with the clock spring.
Because airbags do not deploy in an accident if the airbag light is on the dashboard, a bad clock spring can be a serious safety issue and should not be overlooked.
If you notice any of these problems, it’s important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic right away.