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Steering Wheel Clock Spring Replacement
Typical Cost: Low - medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 1-2 days depending on part availability
What does a Steering Wheel Clock Spring (AKA Airbag Slip Ring) do?
To maintain electrical connectivity to the functions on your steering wheel a bunch of wires will simply hamper the turning action of the wheel and then no doubt break. A steering wheel clock spring is a ribbon cable wound round a central hub that as you turn the wheel one way it winds up and then as you turn the steering wheel the other way, it unwinds. It is therefore, in essence a flat wire (or wires) inside a flexible plastic ribbon.
What happens if the Steering Wheel Clock Spring fails?
Whilst the design of this flat ribbon of cable is able to withstand many thousands of times being wound up and unwound, it’s lifetime is not infinite and it will eventually fail. When this occurs you may notice that certain functions on the steering wheel no longer work (such as horn, radio controls etc) and/or an SRS warning comes on the dash.
How do I know if the Steering Wheel Clock Spring needs replacing?
As described above, if the functions on the steering wheel fail or fail when the steering is moved, the likelihood is that the clock spring ribbon has a break in it and will need to be replaced. In the case of the SRS warning (safety restraint system - air bag in other words) lighting up on the dashboard, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the clock spring, it would need to be diagnosed by a technician to ensure it isn’t one of the other components of the system.
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So what needs to be done?
There is no way in reality to repair a break in a clock spring, and why would you risk doing so when it controls the driver's airbag! The only course of action is to have the clock spring replaced. It isn’t a major job, it can usually be done in around an hour and the part itself is relatively inexpensive, between £50 and £250 depending on the vehicle.
What happens during a Steering Wheel Clock Spring replacement?
The process may differ slightly between vehicles but generally the mechanic will do the following;
- The mechanic will check that replacement is the correct repair as far as possible
- The vehicle’s battery will be disconnected (make sure you have your radio code to hand)
- Once a period of 5-10 minutes has passed to allow the discharge of the airbag devices, the mechanic will remove the steering wheel air bag.
- The mechanic will then remove the steering wheel and then the clock spring
- A replacement clock spring will be installed and the steering wheel re-assembled
- Lastly a check of the functions will be carried out and the SRS error codes cleared.
Some vehicles require the steering column shroud to be removed to gain access to the unit as well.
What does the quote for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your Steering Wheel Clock Spring replacement will cover;
- The cost of the Steering Wheel Clock Spring
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Steering wheel clock spring / slip ring replacement
Airbag airbag clockspring / slip ring
How much does a Steering Wheel Clock Spring replacement cost?
As each vehicle's clock spring is dependent on what options are installed, we need to price this manually so once you have selected the option from the website, please fill out the price request form and we will provide you with a quote.
Alternatively, if you haven’t already done so and been directed here by a quote reply, please go to https://www.clickmechanic.com/mir-requests/quote-missing
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the Steering Wheel Clock Spring doesn’t require replacing?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle.
What happens if I do not have my radio code?
Unfortunately in this case, your radio (and satnav etc is part of it) will not work. You would need to request a new code from a dealership, which usually requires you to present your driving license and vehicle’s V5 registration document. Some dealership charge (usually circa £25) but good ones do not. Once you have this code, your vehicles handbook will advise you how to enter it.