Restraints Control Systems: CLOCKSPRING: Removal

The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL) .
Disconnect the two upper clockspring pigtail wire connectors from the two speed control switches or the two trim bezels located within the two spoke cavities of the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Be certain that the screws that secure the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel are fully engaged in the steering wheel armature without passing through the steering wheel and damaging the clockspring.
Remove the steering wheel from the steering column. (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL) .
Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL) .

From below the steering column, remove the two screws that secure the lower steering column shroud to the upper shroud. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

2 - UPPER SHROUD

3 - RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

4 - CLOCKSPRING

5 - IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HOUSING

6 - LOWER SHROUD

7 - SCREW (2)

If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt steering column, move the tilt steering column to the fully lowered position and leave the tilt release lever in the released (down) position.
Using hand pressure, push gently inward on both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line between the upper and lower shrouds to release the snap features that secure it to the lower shroud.
Remove both the upper and lower shrouds from the steering column.

Disconnect the two body wire harness connectors for the clockspring from the two connector receptacles below the steering column on the back of the clockspring housing. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Clockspring Remove/Install - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CLOCKSPRING

2 - LATCHES

3 - BODY WIRE HARNESS

4 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

5 - SWITCH HOUSING

6 - STEERING COLUMN

7 - RIGHT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH

Using a small screwdriver, gently pry both plastic latches that secure the clockspring away from the steering column upper housing far enough to pull the clockspring away from the upper housing.
NOTE: If the clockspring plastic latches are broken, be certain to remove the broken pieces from the steering column upper housing.
Remove the clockspring from the steering column upper housing. The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.
If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be certain to secure the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the steering column. If clockspring centering is not maintained, the clockspring must be centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING) .