How to Change a Clock Spring 

If your airbag light’s stuck on, your horn stopped working, or the buttons on your steering wheel are dead, you might be dealing with a faulty clock spring. It’s a part most drivers have never heard of, but when it goes bad, it takes key safety features down with it.

A proper clock spring change can restore those features and make your vehicle safer. And while it may seem like a complicated job—because, yes, it’s tied to the airbag system, it’s something many DIYers with some mechanical experience can handle.

Let’s walk through the process from start to finish: tools, safety, and how to get the job done without damaging the airbag system—or yourself.

What Is a Clock Spring?

Before you grab your tool kit, let’s break down what a clock spring does. Inside your steering wheel is a round plastic housing that contains a ribbon cable. That cable winds and unwinds as you turn the wheel, keeping electrical connections intact.

Those connections link the steering wheel to the:

• Airbag
• Horn
• Cruise control buttons
• Audio controls

When the clock spring breaks or wears out, signals can’t travel properly—triggering warning lights or rendering functions useless. That’s where a clock spring change comes in.

Signs You Need a Clock Spring Change

You don’t always see a broken clock spring, but your car will tell you when it’s failing. Common signs include:

• Airbag warning light stays on
• Horn doesn’t work
• Steering wheel buttons are unresponsive
• Strange noise when turning the wheel

In newer cars, it may even affect stability or traction control if they rely on steering angle sensors.

If you’ve recently replaced an airbag or steering wheel and forgot to center the clock spring, you may have damaged it without knowing.

Tools You’ll Need for the Clock Spring Change

This isn’t the kind of repair you tackle with a butter knife and good intentions. Here's a checklist of what you’ll need:

• Socket wrench set
• Torx bit set (typically T25 or T30)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Steering wheel puller (depends on vehicle)
• Trim removal tools
• Torque wrench
• Gloves and eye protection

Oh—and don’t forget the new clock spring. Always buy one compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.

Step-by-Step Clock Spring Change

Let’s get into the actual process. Follow this carefully and you’ll be back on the road with a working horn and functional airbag in no time.

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Safety first. You’re dealing with the airbag system, so disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 10–15 minutes. This gives the system time to discharge and helps prevent accidental deployment.

Step 2: Remove the Airbag

Find the access holes behind your steering wheel. Insert your Torx bit and remove the screws securing the airbag. Gently pull the airbag toward you. Disconnect the yellow connectors—those are for the airbag.

Set it face-up on a clean surface, away from anything flammable or sharp.

Step 3: Remove the Steering Wheel

Use a marker to line up the wheel with the column so you can reinstall it straight. Remove the center nut using a socket wrench. If it’s stubborn, a steering wheel puller can help. Carefully pull the wheel off, watching for wires.

Step 4: Remove the Clock Spring

Pop off the plastic shroud behind the wheel. You’ll see the clock spring—usually held in with clips or screws. Unplug any connectors and remove it.

Before installing the new one, turn it all the way one direction, then back the other way, counting the rotations. Stop halfway to center it. Most clock springs have 5 turns, so you’d stop after 2.5 turns.

Step 5: Install the New Clock Spring

Align it with the centered position and plug it in. Make sure any alignment marks are lined up. Secure it in place.

Step 6: Reassemble the Wheel and Airbag

Slide the wheel back on using your marks as guides. Torque the center nut to factory spec. Reconnect the airbag wires and bolt the airbag module back in.

Step 7: Reconnect the Battery and Test

Reconnect your battery. Sit in the passenger seat just in case. Turn the key to "on" but don’t start. The airbag light should come on, then go out. That’s a good sign.

Test your horn, buttons, and steering rotation. If everything works, congrats—you’ve completed a successful clock spring change.

Real-World Clock Spring Change Tips

Here’s what you won’t always find in the manual:

• Don’t spin the new clock spring before centering it.
• If you accidentally turn it, start over and re-center.
• Some cars need a steering angle sensor recalibration.
• If your airbag light stays on, use a scanner to clear the code.

And remember, if something feels off—stop. A clock spring change involves key safety systems. It's better to call in a pro than risk a faulty repair.

FAQs About Clock Spring Change

How long does a clock spring change take?
Roughly 1–2 hours, depending on your experience and the vehicle.

Can I drive with a bad clock spring?
Technically, yes. But your airbag might not deploy, so it’s not safe.

Do I need to reset anything after the change?
Sometimes. Certain models require steering angle sensor calibration.

Final Thoughts

Doing your own clock spring change might sound intimidating at first. But once you understand the steps, have the tools, and stay patient—it’s very doable.

Just don’t cut corners. Follow the safety guidelines, take your time, and make sure every part is aligned properly. Your horn, your buttons, and most importantly—your airbag—depend on it.

If you need OEM-quality parts or guidance, check out our full airbag and clock spring catalog.