How to install a Clock Spring a.k.a. Spiral Cable.

[Lugnutz]

If the clock spring in your steering column is damaged, your horn, cruise control, or airbag (or all 3 may not function). Here is how I made the repair.

Special thanks goes to T4R member Singtoe (you rock man!) :guitar2: for helping diagnose the problem and getting me the parts I need!

I like photos, so that's how I post DIY stuff. So I had to finish the post by replying to my own post! LOL!

I hope you like it anyway.

 

[Lugnutz]

That's all for now! :driving:

 

[kball]

Nice write up man! I love pics!

 

[Lugnutz]

Thanks KBall. The clock spring I installed came from a 1996 T4R. The only difference from my 1998 was the clip for the airbag. I simply cut wires and spliced on the 98 clip that I had from my broken clock spring. It pays not to throw stuff away!!!!! LOL!!!! See Pix. The 96 clip is on the left.

 

[shootis]

clock spring question

I'm pretty sure that my clock spring is bad but just wanted to make sure.

On the 4 pin connector that is located just to the left of the word top, the 2 right pins show continuity. I think the cable is shorted internally.

Can anyone confirm that all 4 pins should not show zero ohms?

Thanks!!!

 

[GottaBeTRD]

I was directed to this thread. i recently have inherited a brand new clock spring if any one is interested. Ill be putting it on ebay in the next couple of days. i have an add in the classifieds section but i had no clue what this thing was so i called it an airbag sub assembly

 

[shootis]

If you can confirm that mine is bad I'd be interested in your clock spring.

Could you take a minute and ohm yours out?

Thanks!!

 

[GottaBeTRD]

i dont have an ohm meter im ausuming thats what your refereing to? is there a way to do this with it unplugged and everyhing?

 

[TheDurk]

Very nice write-up. You might add the following:

Steering Wheel Nut: 37 ft-lb.
Torx screws on side: 78 in.-lbs.

 

[MR.H]

Great diy! easy fix and now i can be lazy with cruise control

 

[genec]

Anyone have this saved off some place? .

Great diy! easy fix and now i can be lazy with cruise control

Seems photobucket is asking for an upgrade for more bandwidth so not pix are displaying. i saw them earlier today and had problems saving and now they are gone.

Fantatastic DIY is right, Lugnutz. I would not have thought about attempting the repair if it were not for your instructions.

Thank you.

 

[thor999]

Seems photobucket is asking for an upgrade for more bandwidth so not pix are displaying. i saw them earlier today and had problems saving and now they are gone.

Fantatastic DIY is right, Lugnutz. I would not have thought about attempting the repair if it were not for your instructions.

Thank you.

Same here... i would actually consider this preventative maintenance!

 

[genec]

Seems photobucket is asking for an upgrade for more bandwidth so not pix are displaying. i saw them earlier today and had problems saving and now they are gone.

Fantatastic DIY is right, Lugnutz. I would not have thought about attempting the repair if it were not for your instructions.

Thank you.

Fantastic! I finally got around to doing this and the instructions were right on! Thanks for your help in getting the pix again. took about 30 mins.

 

[bike]

So my 97 has a broken spiral cable. Took it apart, and fixing it doesn't seem to be worth it (broken right near the connector. Ground back the plastic to expose the copper leads, but soldering it doesn't leave much tolerance and I'd rather not eat my airbag for the savings.) Anyone know what years/models will work if I go hunting at scrap yards?

 

[zacattack20]

So my 97 has a broken spiral cable. Took it apart, and fixing it doesn't seem to be worth it (broken right near the connector. Ground back the plastic to expose the copper leads, but soldering it doesn't leave much tolerance and I'd rather not eat my airbag for the savings.) Anyone know what years/models will work if I go hunting at scrap yards?

'96 and '97. it has to have your two spoke style steering wheel for it to work.
the newer style steering wheels have a different airbag connector.

 

[bike]

Well then, the hunt is on! Thank you, and also to write up above. Very easy instructions.

 

[hrt4me]

this will come in handy when my spiral cable gets delivered later today...!

 

[infamousRNR]

[MENTION=100687]Konkordmusk[/MENTION]

 

[Sedlec]

Great instructions

Just wanna say thanks for this post and also throw out there that it's pretty close to the same thing in most models. I just replaced my cable in my 2011 SR5 and the process is almost exactly the same. A few minor differences but they are easy to spot.

 

[Timberjo]

Any way to get the photos back up? Hoping to do this repair soon on my rig.