What is this part? Culprit of my steering wheel chatter

[RumHam26]

I found the culprit of my steering wheel chatter last night, but I have no idea what the part is and I'm not sure how to quiet it down. It's this black plastic piece that seems to be responsible for get electrical signal to the airbag and cruise control - it has some tape like material inside - and its noisey as I turn. I'm afraid to mess with it too much. Any help would be wonderful. Thanks!

 

[cfranck1]

It's called the "Clock Spring"

Hope you didn't turn it when you have the wheel off??!!

My Taco is the same way when it's super cold outside.

You would have to buy a new one if you'd want to quiet it down. And at that, the new one might be just as noisy?

 

[RumHam26]

It's called the "Clock Spring"

Hope you didn't turn it when you have the wheel off??!!

My Taco is the same way when it's super cold outside.

You would have to buy a new one if you'd want to quiet it down. And at that, the new one might be just as noisy?

Thanks for the info!

Unfortunately - I did turn it with the wheel off - but not a full rotation - made sure it was in the same position as when I found it. Did I make a horrible mistake? Everything seems operational when driving. Thanks

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for the info!

Unfortunately - I did turn it with the wheel off - but not a full rotation - made sure it was in the same position as when I found it. Did I make a horrible mistake? Everything seems operational when driving. Thanks

When the clock spring is centered, you can turn it 2.5 full turns to the right and 2.5 full turns to the left. You didn't screw anything up unless you put the steering wheel back on without the clock spring centered.

 

[cfranck1]

Thanks for the info!

Unfortunately - I did turn it with the wheel off - but not a full rotation - made sure it was in the same position as when I found it. Did I make a horrible mistake? Everything seems operational when driving. Thanks

No, you should be ok. It's when you take and spin the thing like crazy and don't know how many rotations you had spun it.

 

[RumHam26]

Thanks for all the help. Y'all are the best.