Removal And Installation: Clockspring: Installation

Vehicles installing a new clockspring 

NOTE: A new clockspring is supplied in a centralized position and held there with a sealing key.
1. Remove the sealing key from the clockspring, holding the rotor in its centralized position.
   • Do not allow the clockspring rotor to turn.

Vehicles needing clockspring recentering 

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: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
NOTE: The clockspring inner rotor, wiring and connector must be in the 12 o'clock position to install the steering wheel.
2. If the vehicle's clockspring has rotated out of center, follow these steps to center the clockspring.
   1. Hold the clockspring outer housing stationary.
   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.
   2. While turning the rotor clockwise, carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length and for a slight resistance. Stop turning at this point.
   3. Turn the clockspring counterclockwise approximately 2.25 turns. This is the center point of the clockspring.
      • Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.
Fig 1: Recentering Clockspring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring 

NOTE: When the tape is removed, do not allow the clockspring to turn.
3. Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.

All vehicles 

NOTE: Slight turning of the clockspring rotor is allowable for alignment purposes to the steering column.
4. With the flats of the clockspring rotor aligned to the flats of the steering column shaft, slide the clockspring onto the steering column engaging the retaining tabs.
5. Press at the 6, 12 and 3 o'clock positions to seat the clockspring.
Fig 2: Clockspring Retaining Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Route the clockspring wiring through the instrument panel.
7. Attach the 2 clockspring retaining clips holding the wire to the steering column.
8. If equipped, install the key-in-ignition warning indicator switch.
Fig 3: Key-In-Ignition Warning Indicator Switch
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Install the upper steering column shroud.
10. Install the lower steering shroud and the 3 screws.
11. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder.
    • Position the ignition switch lock cylinder to the RUN position.
    • Insert the ignition switch lock cylinder into the steering column housing.
    • Make sure the ignition switch lock cylinder is fully seated and aligned in the inter-locking washer before turning the key to the OFF position. This will permit the retaining pin of the ignition switch lock cylinder to extend into the hole in the steering column.
12. Rotate the ignition switch lock cylinder, using the key, to make sure of correct mechanical operation in all positions.
13. If equipped, install the tilt wheel shank handle.
14. Install the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN article.
15. Connect the clockspring electrical connectors.
    • Install the pin-type retainers into the bracket.
16. Install the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement and the 6 bolts.
17. Install the 2 screws and the DLC.
18. On the steering column opening lower finish panel reinforcement, install the electrical connector and the pin-type retainer.
19. Install the steering column opening lower finish panel.
    • Align the steering column opening lower finish panel and push in to seat the retaining clips.
20. Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module .