Clock Spring

[Retired-Guy]

I recently learned that a part called a clock spring is the device that connects all of the steering wheel buttons on a 2014 RAM pickup truck (except for cruise control) to the radio, dash, and horn. It is not an inexpensive part and not easily replaced. First the airbag has to come out and then the steering wheel trim and steering wheel. Anyone else had any experience with this beast?

 

[1lessdog]

Lots of YouTube videos on how to remove and replace it.

 

[Retired-Guy]

Watched one and decided it wasn't worth the frustration.

 

[guywhofishes]

crud - I have a 2014 ram

that does look like a PITA!

 

[SDMF]

When it comes right down to it, most work on vehicles (cars, pickups, boats, atv’s, riding lawn mowers, etc, etc,etc) isn’t really all that “hard”. It’s however oftentimes very tedious.

Taking pics w/your phone along the way can be a very useful aid when it comes to re-assembly.

 

[Retired-Guy]

Have you ever replaced a clock spring? Do all of the manufacturers use a similar design?

 

[Retired-Guy]

crud - I have a 2014 ram

that does look like a PITA!

I've heard that if you never turn the steering wheel they might last forever!

 

[guywhofishes]

I've heard that if you never turn the steering wheel they might last forever!

Maybe I’ll only use it to drive to the property out west, which is 350 miles but involves only two turns believe it or not.

 

[CrappieHunter]

When it comes right down to it, most work on vehicles (cars, pickups, boats, atv’s, riding lawn mowers, etc, etc,etc) isn’t really all that “hard”. It’s however oftentimes very tedious.

Taking pics w/your phone along the way can be a very useful aid when it comes to re-assembly.

I like to take pics of nothing and then spend hours looking on random websites for assembly diagrams

 

[SDMF]

Maybe I’ll only use it to drive to the property out west, which is 350 miles but involves only two turns believe it or not.

Gotta be at least 6 driveway to driveway.

 

[guywhofishes]

Gotta be at least 6 driveway to driveway.

Yeah, I was thinking once I hit I94

 

[Fester]

Easy fix...disconnect battery for a while and turn headlights on to dishcarge any residual electricity to make sure bags dont blow. Use you tub. If you have any mechanical ability you will be fine.

 

[lunkerslayer]

I repaced the clock spring on my 97 dakota, mine wasnt too difficult but i onky have cruise control buttons. Just unhook the battery and remove the screews that hold the air bag in place from the back of the steering wheel.

 

[Callem'In]

They really are not difficult. My shop replaces quite a few as they are a fairly common failure.

 

[Retired-Guy]

Easy fix...disconnect battery for a while and turn headlights on to dishcarge any residual electricity to make sure bags dont blow. Use you tub. If you have any mechanical ability you will be fine.

Special tools? Steering wheel puller? What does a replacement typically cost?

 

[Fester]

Special tools? Steering wheel puller? What does a replacement typically cost?

If i remember correctly.. torx 20 and a steering wheel puller($20 at harbor freight). Probably want a metal trim tool to release air bag spring...may be able to get by with flat head screw driver. Turn steering wheel left and righ to get at holes behind the wheel to release tbe airbag. Just takes some time but is fairly simple. As far as a dyi i would guess with the purchase of new tools and clock spring $150-$200. Stealership..your whole checkbook ha. Major thing here is make sure battery is diconnected and charge drained from vehicle(turn lights in, step on break etc..) ..you dont want that sucker going off on you. These vehiclez in my opinion are easier to work on then in tbe past. Tbe blinkers etc are plug and play switches not untertwined around the steering wheel. Basically un clip switch and whole blinker assembly pulls out. If you have any mechanical ability you will be fine. HF it appears only has a bolt style puller so to make it a bit easier may want to get a hook/leg steering wheel puller from amazon($20). HF does have two jaw puller but i am not sure if they would work.

Update...if you decide to take it on and run into problems give me a holler. I am not a mechanic but i can handle a vehicle every now and then

Update2...found a video to help you out.


Update 3: price listed above for clock spring is aftermarket. Below is a link. For factory i would guess about $500..and thats a wild guess just for the part.
https://clockspringexperts.com/coll...-2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021-2022

 

[CatDaddy]

If i remember correctly.. torx 20 and a steering wheel puller($20 at harbor freight). Probably want a metal trim tool to release air bag spring...may be able to get by with flat head screw driver. Turn steering wheel left and righ to get at holes behind the wheel to release tbe airbag. Just takes some time but is fairly simple. As far as a dyi i would guess with the purchase of new tools and clock spring $150-$200. Stealership..your whole checkbook ha. Major thing here is make sure battery is diconnected and charge drained from vehicle(turn lights in, step on break etc..) ..you dont want that sucker going off on you. These vehiclez in my opinion are easier to work on then in tbe past. Tbe blinkers etc are plug and play switches not untertwined around the steering wheel. Basically un clip switch and whole blinker assembly pulls out. If you have any mechanical ability you will be fine. HF it appears only has a bolt style puller so to make it a bit easier may want to get a hook/leg steering wheel puller from amazon($20). HF does have two jaw puller but i am not sure if they would work.

Update...if you decide to take it on and run into problems give me a holler. I am not a mechanic but i can handle a vehicle every now and then

Update2...found a video to help you out.


Update 3
https://clockspringexperts.com/coll...-2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021-2022

O'Reilly's Auto Parts may "lend" you the tools with a deposit. Worth checking before you purchase new tools you'll likely never use again. Wait, that's the definition of most tools I've purchased.....

 

[Fester]

O'Reilly's Auto Parts may "lend" you the tools with a deposit. Worth checking before you purchase new tools you'll likely never use again. Wait, that's the definition of most tools I've purchased.....

I buy the tools..i have enough vehicles i will use them again. Steering wheel puller is probably not one i would, but you never know when you could use it for something it wasnt intended for. Plus its a reward for the diy. Can never have enough tools.....the real problem is storing them all.

 

[NodakBob]

He who dies with the most tools wins.

 

[Callem'In]

Special tools? Steering wheel puller? What does a replacement typically cost?

Fester had a great write up. At my shop, you would be looking at $920.00 out the door. The clockspring list from the dealer is $718. There are aftermarket ones available through Oreillys and Napa, but for an item that constantly moves, incorporates the steering angle sensor, and is involved with the airbag, I would recommend a dealer item.