Did I break my clock spring?

K

Kerpal

New Member

Aug 9, 2004

400

0

0

Sep 1, 2006

#1

• Sep 1, 2006

• #1

While I had my steering shaft removed to put a new one in today, I think I may have turned the steering wheel too far to one side. Now when I turn the wheel lock to lock there are a few spots where I feel resistance and continuing to turn the wheel makes a loud click. Broken/shifted clock spring possibly? My horn still works, but I assume the clock spring is the only part in the steering column that could cause this. The noise is definately coming from the upper part of the steering column near the wheel. Any thoughts?

 

9

9050lx

Member

Aug 31, 2006

33

0

6

Sep 1, 2006

#2

• Sep 1, 2006

• #2

Sounds likely,I replaced mine last year,100 bucks from ford,the part was updated in 1991 I believe with a new backing plate and less moving parts.

 

Jaswir

Member

Mar 31, 2005

578

0

18

Orlando, FL

Sep 1, 2006

#3

• Sep 1, 2006

• #3

yea u broke it, i did the same thing and also made the same sound after i put the steering wheel on... i was going to replace it but ford said it was like 180 bucks so i never got around to it... so i took it off and removed it... i need to get it fixed!

 

smokin91'

New Member

Feb 19, 2006

204

2

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Sep 2, 2006

#4

• Sep 2, 2006

• #4

What does the clock spring do? Make the wheel center itself when you let go of it?

 

S

superhuaman

New Member

Nov 8, 2004

907

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0

Harrisburg, PA

Sep 2, 2006

#5

• Sep 2, 2006

• #5

lol no, it connects the air bag to the rest of the airbag system

 

smokin91'

New Member

Feb 19, 2006

204

2

0

Sep 2, 2006

#6

• Sep 2, 2006

• #6

LOL i didnt know what the heck is what thats why I asked. My guess was just a shot in the dark.

 

K

Kerpal

New Member

Aug 9, 2004

400

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0

Sep 3, 2006

#7

• Sep 3, 2006

• #7

I think I may have fixed it... I took the clockspring off and centered it, then put it back on the steering column (while the wheel was centered). Seems to have gotten rid of the resistance & click sound while turning the wheel.

I do still have one noise while turning from full lock to full lock, but it seems to be coming from much lower in the steering... maybe a worn inner tie rod? It never ends...