Clockspring broken on a '96?

[VPenn]

I have a '96 3500 4x4 5 speed. After work on front end, including removal of steering gear box, the airbag light comes on and cruise doesn't work. After reading posts, I think it's the clock spring. However, the '96 trucks aren't included in the recall. The alignment shop denies all responsibility. Does anyone know if this breakage could have been caused by removal of the steering gear box and associated movement of steering shaft?

 

[Extreme1]

I believe it would...

As I recall, the steering column can only be rotated a couple turns in either direction before the wires get tight. Easy to check, pull the wheel. Be very careful and follow ALL the instructions in the service manual. You have to disconnect the air bag, not a big deal if you follow instructions. Of course, if the light is on, it's probably already disconnected!



If you have a FSM, show the alignment shop the procedure for the clockspring work. Sounds like someone gave the wheel a spin without the gear in place.