Removal & Installation: CLOCKSPRING: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Mercury Sable and 1996 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable SRS. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
CAUTION: When removing steering wheel, DO NOT use a knock-off type steering wheel puller, or strike steering wheel or shaft with a hammer. A sudden impact could damage bearing or collapse steering column.
Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Ensure vehicle front wheels are in straight-ahead position and steering column shaft alignment mark is at 12 o'clock position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL .
Remove instrument panel moldings and trim panels as necessary to access lower steering column shroud. Remove steering column lower shroud.
Disconnect clockspring contact assembly wiring harness. See Fig 1 . Apply 2 strips of tape across clockspring stator and rotor to prevent accidental rotation. See Fig 2 . Remove 3 clockspring retaining screws and pull clockspring off steering column shaft.

Fig 1: Removing Clockspring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Installing Tape Strips On Clockspring Before Removal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Service replacement clockspring will contain a Red plastic locking insert to prevent rotation. DO NOT remove insert until clockspring is securely installed on column.