What is a clock spring?

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,



A couple weeks ago, I had my clock spring let go on my truck, and it caused the air bag warning light to come on. When it happened, I heard a popping noise inside the steering column, and then the AB warning light came on. I had no idea what it was, until I tool it to a dealer, who fixed it completely under warranty (free), and since I didn't want to appear an idiot in front of the dealer, I didn't ask what the heck a clock spring is, and how it could possibly affect my air bag.



Thanks,

Tom

 

[WestTN]

clockspring

The clockspring is a ribbon cable that is used to connect all the wires coming from the steering wheel. It is called a clockspring because it resembles one. It is wrapped around the steering shaft inside the column with enough slack (usually) to avoid breaking (hopefully) when you turn the steering wheel. Sometimes they manage to get caught on something and get pulled apart.

Hope this helps.

 

[jstyer]

clock spring

I had the clock spring in my truck go about 2500 miles ago. Same thing, I was tutrning wheel, heard a pop and lit up dash(ABS, check engine,etc. ). You will also find that everything on steering whell, horn, cruise control is inoperative. Dealer said they didn't want me to drive until fixed because of air bag/liability issue. They also said that it was strange that it happened in a Ram since most of the clock spring breakage was in Dakotas. I'm not sure that wasn't just bull****.

 

[JGabl]

Hidy-Ho!

Just stopped by the dealer today- apparently there is or there will be a recall for 'clockspring' replacement. I did ask the dumb "What the *%#@'s a 'clockspring" question!

 

[JGabl]

Hidy-Ho!

Just stopped by the dealer today- apparently there is or there will be a recall for 'clockspring' replacement. I did ask the dumb "What the *%#@'s a 'clockspring" question!

 

[OILBRNR]

A guy I work with just had his break on a 2001. 5 yesterday. Must be a bad batch.