A couple of days ago I got the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) or airbag light on the dash. It would occasionally go out then come back on as I turned the steering wheel so I knew it was the clock spring in the steering column. I’ve been busy the last couple of evenings and didn’t get any shop time but today on my lunch hour I stopped by my local dealership and picked up a new clock spring.
Upon arriving home I disconnected the battery and allowed the system to discharge for about fifteen minutes while I grabbed the mail and changed.
I started by removing these two 6mm bolts (10mm head) on either side of the steering wheel which hold the airbag to the steering wheel.
Gently tip the airbag out of its pocket being careful not to tug on the wires.
There’s a small hole in this connector for the horn in which to insert a pick and gently separate the connector.
Next squeeze the tabs together on each of these black and yellow connectors on the back of the airbag and disconnect.
Remove the airbag/horn assembly.
Next remove the 10mm (13mm head) bolt holding the steering wheel to the splined shaft and install a two arm puller the apply pressure. You may find it necessary to smack the end of the puller with a hammer to get the splined hub to release from the shaft.
Steering wheel removed.
Next remove the column shroud by removing these two T-20 Torx screws.
You’ll need a long thin bladed T-20 to reach up into these two holes as they are quite deeply recessed.
And this T-20 under the bottom of the lower shroud.
Then pop the two shroud halves apart and set aside. The aluminum standoff is for my Aeroforce gauge along with the small black wire seen here just under the gauge cluster.
Then you’ll need about a 2"-3” T-20 and preferably a flex head ratchet to remove the next two fasteners.
One here behind the turn signal lever.
One here behind the wiper switch.
And the last one here on the front just ahead of the ignition tumbler.
Lift the assembly off and turn upside down to reveal four connectors that must be disconnected. These are simple squeeze the tab and pull.
Assembly out and on the bench.
Next to the turn signal switch there is a Phillips head screw to remove.
And behind the wiper switch a Phillips head screw to remove.
Then the turn signal and wiper assemblies slide apart from the clock spring assembly. No need to unplug the connectors merely leave them connected.
There’s the nugget you’re after, the clock spring assembly.
New left, old right.
Chrysler part number of the new clock spring.
Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Clock spring/turn signal/wiper assembly reinstalled. Do not remove this keeper until after the steering wheel is installed as this is what prevents the clockspring from rotating and you can damage the new one before it is completely installed.
Upper and lower column shrouds installed.
Steering wheel, airbag and Aeroforce gauge installed. Project complete.
Thanks for looking.
