Removal And Installation: Clockspring: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If installing a new clockspring, do not remove the clockspring anti-rotation key until the steering wheel is installed. If the anti-rotation key has been removed before installing the steering wheel, the clockspring must be centered. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.

Install the clockspring and 2 screws.
Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
Install the lower steering column shroud and 3 screws.
Attach the upper steering column shroud to the lower steering column shroud.

WARNING: If the clockspring is not correctly centralized, it may fail prematurely. If in doubt, repeat the centralizing procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Do not over-rotate the clockspring inner rotor. The internal ribbon wire is connected to the clockspring rotor. The internal ribbon wire acts as a stop and can be broken from its internal connection. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.

If a new clockspring was installed and the anti-rotation key has not been removed proceed to Step 7.
If a new clockspring was installed and the anti-rotation key has been removed before the steering wheel is installed or the same clockspring is being installed, rotate the clockspring inner rotor counterclockwise and carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length with slight resistance. Stop rotating the clockspring inner rotor at this point.
Starting with the clockspring inner rotor, wiring and connector in the 12 o'clock position, rotate the inner rotor clockwise through 4 revolutions to center the clockspring.
Verify that the clockspring is correctly centered by observing that after 4 revolutions:
- the clockspring rotor window is in the 4 o'clock position and the yellow indicator shows in the window.
- the 2 arrows located on the inner and outer rotor of the clockspring line up in the 6 o'clock position.
- the clockspring inner rotor, wiring and connector are in the 12 o'clock position.

Fig 1: Identifying Clockspring Rotor Window And Arrows

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the road wheels are in the 12 o'clock position to install the steering wheel.

Install the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN article.

Fig 2: Identifying 12 O'Clock Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If a new clockspring was installed, remove the anti-rotation key.

Fig 3: Identifying Anti-Rotation Key

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module .
Repower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in the General Procedures portion of this section.