Holden

A: The airbag clock spring is mounted to the end of the steering column directly behind the steering wheel. It contains a series of small wires wound in a spiral between two plates or discs. These wires rotate between the discs inside the clock spring when the steering wheel is turned from side to side. As the steering wheel turns, the coiled wires wrap freely in both directions.

A: In any car, clock springs play an important role in making multiple systems function correctly, such as cruise control, traction control systems, the horn, and more.

A: Check the reading on the multimeter's screen. Rotate the clock spring to mimic its motions when turning the steering wheel. Confirm that the resistance reading remains constant when you turn the clock spring through the motions. If it changes after each rotation, it is a faulty clock spring and must be replaced.

A: The average cost for an Air Bag Clockspring Replacement is between $482 and $538. Labor costs are estimated between $120 and $176 while parts are typically priced around $362. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

A: Yes, a faulty clock spring can indirectly affect your steering by causing issues with the power steering system, as well as by disabling the horn, airbag, and steering wheel controls. The clock spring provides electrical connections to these components while the steering wheel rotates. If it fails, it can cause the airbag light to come on, the horn to not work, or for power steering systems to malfunction, though it does not directly change the physical steering mechanism itself.

A: Clock springs can last the entire lifespan of a vehicle, but they can also fail after just a few years, depending on usage and manufacturing quality. Factors that contribute to failure include normal wear and tear, extreme temperature changes, and steering wheel over-rotation, which can damage the internal ribbon of wires.