Symptoms of a VW Clock Spring Failure

Did you ever wonder how the electronics in your steering wheel stay connected when you spin it numerous times in each direction?

If regular cables were used to connect the steering wheel controls, they would become tangled and break over time. Because your steering wheel’s airbag is reliant on a working clock spring, it’s critical that the clock spring be in excellent operating order. The typical cost of a clock spring replacement for an automobile is.

Volkswagen clock spring repair Greensboro NC

What is a Clock Spring?

A clock spring is made out of a coil of flat wires coiled within an assembly of steering wheel. The type of cable is also known as spiral cable, airbag clock spring, or contact reel. The coiled ribbon has the appearance of a spiral torsion spring, however, it does not compress and release stored energy like a real spring. Opt for VW service Greensboro NC to keep your clock spring in good condition.

What Does a Clock Spring Do?

The clock spring winds and unwinds as you move the steering wheel, preserving an electrical connection for the airbag and steering wheel controls. Because of the vehicle’s caster angle, a steering wheel goes back to its centered position when you let go of the wheel. A genuine clock spring this tiny would be unable to overcome the inertia of most steering assemblies in most cars.

Where is the Clock Spring Located?

The clock spring is generally found behind the steering wheel on the steering column. One of these devices is found in almost every road vehicle with a steering wheel.

You may not have a clock spring if your car lacks an airbag, steering wheel controls, or horn buttons. Seek professional assistance for Volkswagen repair Greensboro NC.

Bad Clock Spring Symptoms

You may lose cruise control, a functional horn, and, most critically, a working airbag if your clock spring fails. The angle of the steering wheel is also used by certain cars for traction and stability control calculations. If these systems operate at all, a broken clock spring will leave them in a deteriorated state. It is important to treat these symptoms as soon as possible if you detect them.

Clock Spring Replacement Cost

It’s inestimably important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for properly deactivating the airbag if you need to replace a clock spring. Failure to do so may lead to an airbag explosion, which might result in serious injury or death. Clock springs are reasonably priced, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the car. If you try to change the clock spring yourself, you may expect to pay up to $300 in labor.

Can a Clock Spring Be Repaired?

While a broken clock spring can occasionally be repaired, it is usually preferable to purchase a new one.

Clock springs are inexpensive, and having a dependable one is crucial since they may be involved in the proper operation of the driver’s airbag, horn, cruise control, and traction and stability control systems.

Can You Re-use a Clock Spring?

Be careful not to spin the steering wheel when removing the clock spring. It’s preferable to replace the clock spring with a new one if the airbag has been deployed. You risk straining or fracturing the internal wires and ruining a perfectly excellent clock spring if you spin the clock spring a few times and then replace it.

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