Description

DESCRIPTION

The clockspring is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the wiring harness and the drivers airbag.


The clockspring assembly is secured with two integral plastic latches onto the upper steering column housing near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat, round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that hangs below the steering column. The tail contains two connectors that face toward the instrument panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub and several plastic rollers.


A rubber bumper block is located on each side of the tower formation that contains the connector receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched between two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the connector receptacles that face the instrument panel, while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pigtail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.


Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps onto the rotor over the release button. The release button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case and the shield prevents the release button from being inadvertently depressed during shipment and handling, but the shield must be removed from the clockspring after it is installed on the steering column.


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