How Much Does a Clock Spring Replacement Cost?

A clock spring (also called a spiral cable) is a coiled electrical connector between the steering wheel and the column. 

Its main job is to maintain electrical continuity and connections between the steering wheel and essential parts like the airbags and horns. When it fails, you’ll likely need a replacement. 

Let’s go over the potential replacement costs in detail. 

A. Range

The average cost of installing a new clock spring is around $130 to $620, which covers:

• New replacement part: $60 to $450
• Labor cost: $70 to $170

B. Factors Affecting the Average Cost 

Apart from the new spring and labor charges, some other aspects impact your total expenses, such as: 

• Vehicle make and model year: Older springs may not fit in newer cars because of their complex clock spring design. You should purchase the clock spring according to your car’s make and model year. 

• Spring type: There are different variants, such as spiral wound, U-turn roller, and U-turn dummy clock springs. The U-turn roller clock springs installed in high-performance vehicles are the costliest. 

• Spring material: Clock springs can be made of steel, plastic, or metal plastic. The most expensive springs are high-quality steel springs. 

• Quality of the replacement part: You can purchase aftermarket or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clock springs. OEM springs are durable and offer a better fit than an aftermarket part.  

• Labor efforts: Since the spring is fixed between the steering column and wheel, the repair requires specialized tools and an hour or two of labor, impacting your expenses. 

• Additional repairs: If a damaged clock spring blows fuses linked to accessories like the horn or airbag module, they may malfunction. In such cases, your mechanic will also inspect and repair the wiring harness of the horn and airbag.

NOTE: When a car manufacturer identifies a clock spring problem in a specific batch of vehicles, they issue a safety recall and replace the faulty units free of charge. However, if your car isn’t eligible for a safety recall, calling a professional is your only solution. 

5 Warning Signs You Need a Clock Spring Replacement

Some common symptoms that may indicate a clock spring failure include:

1. An illuminated airbag light: An intact spring is pivotal for airbag deployment. But if the spring is worn, it’ll sever the electrical connection and immediately trigger the airbag warning light.

2. Weird noises and a stiff steering wheel: A damaged clock spring wire can rub against other parts inside the steering column to create rubbing, grinding, or clicking noises. In addition to these odd sounds, the grinding movement also creates friction when you turn the steering wheel, making it feel stiff.

3. A malfunctioning horn: A clock spring ensures your car’s horn has consistent power to work. However, if it tears or breaks, the inconsistent power supply will either cause the horn to go off on its own or stop working entirely.

4. Blown fuses: Modern cars have numerous smart features and steering wheel controls, such as voice commands and music system buttons, that need a constant electrical connection. If the clock spring breaks, one or more fuses can get frayed or move around loosely, touching the ground surface. This contact can cause a short circuit, resulting in non-functional steering wheel controls and smart features.

5. Loss of cruise control: The cruise control feature takes over and maintains a steady speed when driving on highways. However, this activation requires precise electrical signals, which may not be possible if you have a bad clock spring.

How to Diagnose a Faulty Clock Spring

To identify the spiral cable problem, you must detach the steering wheel, check the cable’s physical condition, and test its electrical resistance. 

Without the right experience and technical know-how, you risk making a mistake. For maximum accuracy, it’s best to ask a seasoned professional for help. 

Here’s how a mechanic will troubleshoot a faulty clock  spring: 

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Press the steering wheel buttons, such as the horn, to verify whether it’s working, and turn the steering wheel to check for stiffness.

3. Connect an OBD-II scan tool to the car’s computer and look for active error codes related to an airbag system, such as B1801. This code indicates an open circuit in the spiral cable assembly below the steering wheel. If there’s an active code, they’ll proceed to check the spring.

4. Wear safety gloves and goggles for protection.

5. Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical shocks.

6. Unscrew the central bolt or use a steering wheel puller to remove the wheel carefully.

7. Detach the airbag module by disconnecting its connector.

8. Remove the steering wheel trim and column cover to access the clock spring.

9. Carefully unplug the electrical connectors and pins connected to the old airbag clock spring. Aggressive handling can damage these components and pins.

10. Remove the retaining clip or screw to remove the old part (spring) from its housing.

11. Set the multimeter to Ohms (resistance) mode to test the old spring for electrical continuity.

12. Place the positive probe on the clock spring’s airbag connector pin and the negative probe on the power supply pin.

13. Check the resistance detail on the screen by slowly rotating the clock spring (like turning a steering wheel). The resistance should be constant at around 1.2 Ohms. If not, the clock spring needs replacement.
    

How to Replace a Faulty Clock Spring: A General Know-How

Installing a new clock spring requires technical accuracy to avoid misaligning the wires of connected accessories. 

Here’s how an auto repair mechanic will perform the replacement:

1. Compare the new spring with the old part to ensure it’s compatible with your car.  
2. Align the new clock spring and fix it in place using the retaining clip or screw. 
3. Plug the electrical connectors into the new spring.
4. Test the spring for electrical continuity using the multimeter after the installation. 
5. Reattach the parts removed earlier during diagnosis, like the airbag connector, central bolt, and steering wheel. 
6. Reconnect the battery. 
7. Press the steering wheel buttons to ensure they’re functional and check whether the wheel turns smoothly. 
8. Look for an active airbag warning light and reset it using a scan tool.

Can You Drive with a Bad Clock Spring?

You can, but here’s the thing — it’s not recommended.  

A clock spring will help you turn your steering wheel in the desired direction. But if this spiral spring tears, your steering wheel will be hard to turn, making your drive unsafe.  

Moreover, an intact spring facilitates smooth honking and airbag deployment. Losing these crucial safety features while driving can put you and your passengers at risk. 

Routine inspection and clock spring replacement are essential for your safety, so replace the faulty part at the first sign of trouble.  

4 FAQs about Clock Springs

Here are answers to common queries you may have about clock springs:

1. How Does a Clock Spring Work? 

As you turn the steering wheel, the clock spring’s coiled ribbon wires wind and unwind inside its housing. This spiral motion lets the wires move freely while maintaining a steady connection between the steering wheel and electrical components like the horn or audio system.

When you turn the steering wheel back to the center, the spring returns to its neutral position, ready for the next turn.  

2. How Often Should You Replace a Clock Spring? 

A clock spring can last the lifetime of your vehicle, so it doesn’t need frequent replacement. To keep it in good working condition, follow these simple tips:

• Don’t delay an inspection and repair when you hear grinding sounds or experience a stiff steering wheel; these indicate a failed spiral spring.

• Invest in a high-quality OEM airbag clock spring instead of a cheap aftermarket part.

• Hire experienced professionals for routine services because improper repair is one of the leading causes of a malfunctioning airbag clock spring. 

3. What Are the Possible Causes of a Clock Spring Failure?

Your airbag clock spring can fail due to the following reasons: 

• Normal wear and tear
• Overuse (over-rotation) of the steering wheel
• Misalignment of spring and other electrical components due to faulty installation
• Loose or cracked wire in the steering column that damages the clock spring

4. How Can You Save Money on a Clock Spring Replacement?

Here are some ways to save on this auto repair service:

• Opt for an independent repair center or a mobile mechanic instead of a dealership. Independent mechanics charge less because they don’t have expensive overhead costs like dealers. 

• Search for a service center that offers a discount when you bundle an airbag and clock spring repair.

• Look for websites or repair centers that sell high-quality replacement clock springs at discounted rates during their big spring sale or holiday promotion.