CLOCKSPRING Centering

The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only designed to rotate the same number of turns (about five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction from the centered position, without damaging the clockspring tape.

However, if the clockspring is removed for service or if the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear, the clockspring tape can change position relative to the other steering components. The clockspring must then be re-centered following completion of such service or the clockspring tape may be damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered, with a plastic locking pin installed. See Fig 1. This locking pin should not be removed until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the locking pin is removed before the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the clockspring centering procedure must be performed.

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.

Fig 1: Clockspring

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CASE

2 - LOCKING PIN

3 - ROTOR

4 - ROTOR FLAT (2)

5 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRES (NOT SHOWN)

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 clockspring from the steering column. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) .
Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its travel. Do not apply excessive torque.
From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise, until the rotor flats are horizontal. If the clockspring pigtail wires are not oriented towards the bottom of the clockspring, rotate the rotor another one-half turn in the counterclockwise direction. The clockspring is now centered.
Lock the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the steering column.
The front wheels should still be in the straight-ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the steering column. (Refer to ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION) .