clock spring/spiral spring is dead but how about the steering sensor???

R

rgsauger

Member
I recently had to replace the heater core in my wife's over have fx35. What a son of a bitch! :at-wits-end::at-wits-end:

Prior to disconnecting the steering column shaft at the coupler, I marked it in multiple locations to ensure that I get it back in the same position. When I was trying to reassemble it, I had problems getting it to line up and got frustrated and grabbed the steering wheel and spun it so that it spun multiple times. In doing so, I now realize that I screwed up the clock spring inside the column. I am about to buy a new one to replace it.

Does anyone know if I also damaged the steering sensor or do I install the clock spring and then have that code cleared and just see? My slip and vdc lights come on as soon as i move the steering wheel so i know that it is at least off, just dont know if its dead.

Also, if i got a used clock spring, then how do i know "where" it is in its zero plus/minus three turns position?

I surely hope that someone can help me out. Thanks so much for all the help that you guys give here.

Rob in Houston
 
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From my experience with the clock spring and steering wheel sensor while retrofitting paddle shifters into our cars; they're not that fragile unless you really forcing it or drop the steering wheel sensor.

Before going out to buy a replacement, I would try to fix it first. The best way that I can think of is to park your car on level ground and get the front wheels as straight as you can. If your steering wheel is not straight, that's is fine since you have spun it a couple of times (assuming the steering column was not attached to the rack and pinion). Just be sure the front wheels are straight. Take the steering wheel off the column, take the clock spring off (the steering sensor is attached to the bottom clock spring). There is a "center" arrow marked (about the 7:00 area) on the clock spring to line it up. Then reinstall the steering wheel and try to install the steering wheel as level as you can so that when your steering wheel is leveled your wheel is also straight.

Take a look at pictures on retrofitting paddle shifter for reference to get the steering wheel and clock spring straighten out.
https://www.infinitiscene.com/search/1/?q=15693-Paddle-Shifter-Installation
 
Thanks Andy. I know that I killed the clock spring because the air bag light is on and she lost all steering wheel electrical, horn, radio, cruise, etc. The clock spring probably just needs to have the code cleared/reset. Also, the wheel is straight and the shaft is on right so that shouldn't be an issue. I appreciate your reply.

Ps.... is it truly a tamper res T30? I thought I read elsewhere it was bigger.
 
Yes, it is tamper T30 with a pin in the center of the torx star. Be patient with the two T30 torx screws too. I had to fight a couple of these screws. With one, I had to cut up the lower steering wheel cover. But there are a few that is pretty easy to loosen.

Remember, don't push too hard at it as the mounting tab where the nut to these screws mounted is pretty weak. Note the picture in step 10 of the paddle shifter DIY mentioned above, this mounting tab with the blue lock tight residue on the left side of that picture. Use enough force pushing the torx bit snug so that it won't get the star stripped.
 
just to post a basic update, I replaced the clock spring and now have the airbag function and all steering wheel control control functions working again. Very easily done. The write-up reference is very worthwhile. Nothing at all hard about it. Only took about 20 minutes. Still have to get the steering sensor reset but I don't think that is any big deal. Thanks for the help Andy.
 
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