Removal And Installation: CLOCKSPRING: Installation

Vehicles receiving a new clockspring 

NOTE: A new clockspring is supplied in a centralized position and held there with a key.
1. Remove the 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: Make sure the road wheels are in the straight-ahead (12 o'clock) position. Failure to follow this instruction may cause damage to the clockspring.
NOTE: If a clockspring has rotated out of center, carry out the following steps.
NOTE: Overturning will destroy the clockspring. The internal ribbon wire acts as the stop and may be broken from its internal connection.
2. Turn the rotor counterclockwise until it stops.
   • While turning the rotor counterclockwise, carefully feel for the ribbon wire to run out of length. Stop turning when a slight resistance is felt.
Fig 1: Turning Rotor Counterclockwise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Turn the rotor clockwise and stop when the arrows line up.
Fig 2: Turn Rotor Clockwise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Turn the rotor clockwise 2 complete turns and stop when the arrows line up. This is the center point of the clockspring.
   • Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.
Fig 3: Turn Rotor Clockwise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring 

NOTE: When the tape is removed, do not allow the clockspring to turn.
5. 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.
6. With the flats of the clockspring aligned to the flats of the steering column, slide the clockspring onto the steering column engaging the retaining tabs.
Fig 4: Locating Clockspring Retaining Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
8. Position the upper steering column shroud.
   • If equipped, engage the column shift lever boot to the upper steering column shroud.
9. Position and engage the lower steering column shroud to the column shift lever boot and upper steering column shroud and install the three screws
10. Install the tilt column lever.
11. Install the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN article.
12. Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module .