Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Service and Repair

WARNING: Review Service Precautions. Improper handling could cause activation of the airbag(s) and lead to injuries!





REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL
- Disconnect battery and cover negative pole or terminal.
- A waiting period of approximately 5 minutes should be observed before beginning electrical work to allow the capacitor charge to dissipate.
- Remove lower steering column trim section.





- Disconnect plug connection for airbag (orange).





- Unscrew Torx screws from rear of steering wheel.





WARNING: Lay airbag unit to one side (in the luggage compartment). Padded side must always face up.

- Disconnect airbag (1).
- Disconnect Horn (2).
- Remove airbag module.





- Turn the steering wheel to straight ahead position (marks on steering gear and steering spindle aligned).
- Unscrew and remove the bolt.
- Mark relative position of steering wheel to shaft.

CAUTION: When screw is unfastened, spring lock (F) holds the contact ring in center position. The steering wheel must not be moved when the screw is loose.

- Turn ignition switch "On" to unlock steering column.
- Pull off steering wheel.

Contact Ring R&R:

REMOVE AND INSTALL CONTACT RING
Remove
- Remove screws and take off the contact ring.

NOTE: Do not remove anti-twist retainer (1) until new contact ring is screwed to steering wheel.

Install
- Place contact ring on steering wheel.
- Secure screws with paint.
- Press together both ends and remove anti-twist retainer (1).





- Lubricate the horn slip ring with grease.

INSTALL THE STEERING WHEEL
- Install the steering wheel in reverse order of removal.





NOTE: Adjust Contact Ring Center Position If Necessary: Press down spring (F), turn the contact ring against the left or right stop to determine the halfway point. Ensure marks (1) for the center position are aligned. Now release spring (F).





- Lock pin (1) must engage in opening (2).
- Install new screw/nut and torque:
Screw 63 Nm (46 ft lb).
Nut 80 Nm (60 ft lb)

- Reconnect lead to airbag module, horn, and steering wheel switch.
- Place airbag module on the steering wheel and hand tighten the retaining screws.

CAUTION: Be careful not to pinch the wires.

- First tighten the screw on right side of the steering wheel to 8 Nm (6 ft lb) then tighten the left screw to 8 Nm (6 ft lb).

CAUTION: Failure to tighten these screws in this sequence may allow the airbag module to be centered improperly on the steering wheel, which will increase horn button application forces noticeably.

- Reconnect (orange) plug connection and install lower steering column casing section.
- Reconnect NEG. battery terminal.
- Check for possible defect codes and clear if necessary.