A clock spring, also known as a spiral cable or steering column assembly, is a car’s steering system device. It allows the steering wheel to rotate while providing a constant electrical connection to the airbag and horn. It is a flat, coiled ribbon of conductive material that is wound around a spindle and placed inside the steering column. However, if a clock spring goes bad, you will start facing issues while driving. Let’s find out what are the signs of a bad clock spring and how we can fix it.
Signs of a Bad Clock Spring
Before we discuss what happens when the clock spring goes bad, let’s find out the function and location of the clock spring.
Functions of a Clock Spring in Cars
The main function of a clock spring in a car is to allow the steering wheel to rotate. It also provides a constant electrical connection between the steering wheel and other components in the vehicle, such as the airbag and horn.
The clock spring acts as a flexible electrical conductor that unwinds and rewinds as the steering wheel is turned. It also helps in maintaining a continuous electrical connection even as the steering wheel is rotated. The clock spring is a critical component in the vehicle’s electrical system, as it enables the airbag to deploy in the event of a collision and the horn to be sounded.
It also ensures that these critical functions are operational even if the steering wheel is turned, making it a crucial component for ensuring the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.
Where Clock Spring is Located in a Car
The clock spring in a car is typically located inside the steering column, which is the shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. It is housed within the steering column and positioned between the steering wheel and the upper and lower sections. Since there are several types of steering wheels available in the market, the location of clock spring may vary accordingly.
It’s a critical component in the vehicle’s electrical system, and its location makes it easily accessible for maintenance and replacement, if necessary. However, the exact location of the clock spring can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
It’s best to consult a vehicle’s repair manual or a mechanic for specific information on the location of the clock spring in your vehicle.
What Happens When the Clock Spring Goes Bad
A failed clock spring can result in several noticeable symptoms, including:
Inoperative horn
If the clock spring fails, the car horn may not work or only work intermittently. This is because the power supply to the horn (clock spring) has been cut off. This can pose a major security concern and warrants immediate diagnosis and repair. Besides, there might be other reasons why your car horn is having problems.
Also, in this situation, you can try to turn the steering wheel while holding down the horn button. Also, if you can hear the intermittent sound, then you need to replace the clock spring.
Airbag warning light
The airbag is a susceptible system, and the airbag warning light turns on even with the slightest failure. The airbag warning light on the dashboard will typically illuminate if the clock spring is failing, indicating that the airbag system is not functioning properly.
This is why an airbag or the SRS light is one of the most common signs of a bad clock spring, especially if the light occurred when you were turning the steering wheel.
Inoperable steering wheel buttons
In many car models, you have many buttons on the steering wheel, such as the cruise control or volume buttons on the radio. If you have noticed that some or all of these buttons have stopped working completely, there is a strong chance that something is broken within the watch spring unit.
Try pressing these buttons at the same time you turn the steering wheel. If they work in a particular position on the balance wheel, there is a problem with the watch spring.
Intermittent loss of electrical fuses
One of the common signs of a bad clock spring is bad fuses. If the clock spring fails, you may experience intermittent electrical connections, such as loss of power steering or loss of audio control from the steering wheel.
It’s important to have a failed clock spring inspected and repaired by a professional, as it can impact the safety and functionality of your vehicle.
Stiff steering wheel
If the clock spring is failing, it may become difficult to turn the steering wheel, or the steering wheel may have a “stiff” or “binding” feel. This often disables some radio and cruise control functions.
This failure to function stems from a separation of the actual wires that feed power and ground to each of these functions. Unfortunately, operability is only restored by replacing the clock spring.
Can you drive with a broken clock spring?
Driving a vehicle with a broken clock spring can be dangerous and is not recommended. A failed clock spring can impact the operation of several critical systems, including the airbag and horn, which are essential for the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.
Additionally, the clock spring is responsible for maintaining a constant electrical connection to the steering wheel, and a broken clock spring can cause the steering wheel to become hard or difficult to turn.
This can negatively impact the driver’s ability to control the vehicle as it can lock the steering wheel and increase the risk of an accident. Therefore, it is recommended to have a broken clock spring inspected and repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety and functionality of the vehicle. Here are some methods of how you can unlock the car’s steering wheel when needed.
Besides, keep an eye on all the steering wheel parts while cleaning the car’s steering wheel.
This is all about the signs of a bad clock spring. However, the clock spring replacement depends on the vehicle’s make and model. Hence, you can consult the owner’s manual for better guidance. Also, make sure you do periodic car maintenance to avoid any damage.
Besides the clock spring, if other parts of your vehicle are also going bad then check out these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s favourite auto blogs for more car maintenance updates.
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