Removal And Installation: Clockspring: Installation

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 position. Failure to follow this instruction may damage the clockspring.
1. 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: Overturning will destroy the clockspring. The internal ribbon wire acts as the stop and can be broken from its internal connection.
   2. While turning the rotor counterclockwise, 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 clockwise (approximately 3 turns) until the ribbon wire shows anywhere across the window (window will be near the 2 o'clock position) and the arrow on the rotor lines up with the arrow on the bottom left of the housing. Clockspring is now centered.
      • Do not allow the rotor to turn from this position.
Fig 1: Centering Clockspring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

2. Install the clockspring and 4 screws.
3. Connect the clockspring electrical connector.
4. Position the lower steering column shroud upward.
5. Carefully position the steering column down and place the tilt handle in the locked position.
6. Install the upper steering column shroud.
7. Install the 3 lower steering column shroud screws.
8. Connect the headlamp and courtesy light switches electrical connectors and install the steering column opening cover and 2 screws.
9. Install the LH A-pillar lower trim panel.

Vehicle repairs reusing the same clockspring 

NOTE: When the tape is removed, do not allow the clockspring to turn.
10. Remove the tape applied during clockspring removal.
Fig 2: Locating Upper Steering Column Shroud
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles installing a new clockspring 

NOTE: Do not rotate the new clockspring between removing the sealing key and installing the steering wheel. If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between removing the sealing key and installing the steering wheel, carry out the centralizing procedure. Failure to follow this instruction may result in component damage and/or system failure.
11. Remove the sealing key.
NOTE: If the vehicle is left unattended by the technician between centralizing the clockspring and installing the steering wheel, to prevent damage to the clockspring, the centralizing procedure must be repeated.
12. Install the steering wheel. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
13. Install the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to Driver Air Bag Module .
14. Repower the SRS. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering .