Clock spring
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Clock spring
My airbag light went on awhile ago then slowly each steering wheel control went out one by one incl the horn. Took it to Ford and they say it's a bad clock spring. What is the purpose of the clock spring (any pics?)? How much are they? What causes them to go bad? What's the typical life expectancy of them? I never heard of the, before.
Thanks
Thanks
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
A clockspring is basically an electrical outlet that's circular instead of prong shaped, and should have more than three contacts in it. It would just look like a plastic circle with a short wiring pigtail and a molded wiring connector on the body. It was so that when you turn the steering wheel a fixed contact on one side slides around a ring on the other and never looses contact, or now there's a really long ribbon connector in it that can take spinning in a several circles without stretching too faer Just like everything electrical some never have problems, some fail, there's not always a rhyme or reason for it.
Pretty anticlimactic looking for a car part:
Pretty anticlimactic looking for a car part:
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
The purpose of a clock spring is to allow the various steering wheel electrical components to operate while turning the vehicle.
Pics are available if you search on google or bing.
Ford quoted my indy mechanic over $300 last summer when I needed one. I declined and went to O'Reillys Auto where I picked up one for about $70.
I suspect normal wear and tear is what eventually destroys them.
Life expectancy is dependent upon how much you use them. I've only ever replaced two of them, both on older models; perhaps 10-12 years?
Ooops: I didn't see the previous response when I made mine.
Pics are available if you search on google or bing.
Ford quoted my indy mechanic over $300 last summer when I needed one. I declined and went to O'Reillys Auto where I picked up one for about $70.
I suspect normal wear and tear is what eventually destroys them.
Life expectancy is dependent upon how much you use them. I've only ever replaced two of them, both on older models; perhaps 10-12 years?
Ooops: I didn't see the previous response when I made mine.
Last edited by Army RET; Jul 30, 2014 at 09:35 PM. Reason: Ooops:
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
If your after a Ford Part one then the best price I have
found for the one I have was with AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake | Parts & Accessories
They used to be a supporter and from looking
they no longer are but the prices are very good.
You should also check for others listed here
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Vendor Directory
Then is you have a local dealer you like to work with
see if they will meet the price or not.
Sean
found for the one I have was with AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake | Parts & Accessories
They used to be a supporter and from looking
they no longer are but the prices are very good.
You should also check for others listed here
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Vendor Directory
Then is you have a local dealer you like to work with
see if they will meet the price or not.
Sean
Semper Fi
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 771
Likes: 1
easy repair even for a novice wrench....lots of write ups on how to do it....
I just did it three months ago and as long as u pull the fuses for the airbags and battery connections then wait 30 min with the door open (dome light will bleed off any residual battery power) its it real easy and safe for the DIY'er.
I just did it three months ago and as long as u pull the fuses for the airbags and battery connections then wait 30 min with the door open (dome light will bleed off any residual battery power) its it real easy and safe for the DIY'er.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 597
Likes: 1
Thanks everyone! Like I said I have never heard about them and the name clock spring made me wonder what "clock" had to do with my steering wheel functions. Now I know it is a way to provide continuous electrical contact.
I had a important trip the next day (AirAdventure) so had the dealership do it. I'm supposed to get industry pricing but when I picked it it was retail (ouch). A fax to the service writer fixed that. I don't think I was EVER undercharged by a dealership all mistakes are overcharges.
I had a important trip the next day (AirAdventure) so had the dealership do it. I'm supposed to get industry pricing but when I picked it it was retail (ouch). A fax to the service writer fixed that. I don't think I was EVER undercharged by a dealership all mistakes are overcharges.
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