2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Driving with a broken clock spring?

[jmeehan]

My clock spring finally broke. 42K and change on the odometer, three years after I got the recall notice.

It sounds terrible in there, is it doing more damage driving it like this? Should I pull the broken parts out until I can get to a dealer for the recall work? How far have people driven with a broken clock spring?

 

[CyberRanger]

I wouldn't say it is dangerous, but it sure can be. We had ours replaced 3 times under warranty. Our main issue was that the cruise control wouldn't turn off (very dangerous) or would kick back on unexpectedly (also very dangerous). The key, though, was that the cruise had to be "on" first for this to happen, so these situations could be avoided.



If your dealership is worth a hoot, they should fix it w/o issue. I never had ours in for more than an 1½ hrs to get it done.

 

[jmeehan]

I understand the danger involved, I'm worried about increasing the damage to components inside the steering column.

I'm hoping someone can tell me about that.

 

[CyberRanger]

Like you, we live a ways from a Dodge dealer, so gettin' it to the dealer involves a good half to full day of time.



As far as I know, continuing to drive w/ a broken clock spring will not cause further damage to the steering column components. The first time we broke ours was prior to a Christmas holiday weekend nearly a 1000 miles from home. We drove it the remainder of the month & thru New Years until we could get it in to the dealer several weeks later. Our only issue was the cruise acted flaky on occasion, but turning it completely off usually solved the problem. (Well, that & hittin' a couple of good sized pot holes to make it behave!)

 

[jmeehan]

Thanks

 

[John - K5AWO]

Just for my own edification, just what is it you are calling a "clock spring"??



The only springs in the steering column I can think of is the detent spring for the left/right turn signal cam.

 

[tgbol]

The Clock spring is just a term to identify the wiring harness to the steering wheel. it is colied up like a clock spring and carries the wiring for the horn, air bag, cruise control and the radio switchs if you have that option. There were many defective ones installed as OEM and there was a recall to take care of them. I am sure that there are many still out there that need to be replaced. Because it is considered a safety concern (air bag) it should be DC's problem to replace it no matter what the mileage is. That probably only applies to the affected model wit the defective ones.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Thanks tgbol,



That makes more sense now. Amazing what a little education does.

 

[Lurch]

I drove 5000+ on mine because I was on the road when it tore out. First I lost the cruise then turned to lock the other way and completely severed it. No cruise, idiot lights on etc. Didn't cause any more problems before I got it fixed. 40 minutes at dealer and good as new.



Lurch