Clock Spring (Steering Wheel Spiral Cable)
The clock spring is a coiled ribbon cable behind the steering wheel that keeps the airbag and wheel switches connected while the wheel turns.
What is Clock Spring (Steering Wheel Spiral Cable)?
It allows the steering wheel to turn several times in each direction without twisting wires. It carries signals for the driver airbag, horn, steering wheel buttons and sometimes heating. Many clock springs include the steering angle sensor.
How it works
The flat cable winds and unwinds inside a housing as the wheel turns.
Why it matters for your car
A broken clock spring can cause an airbag light and dead horn or buttons. It must be centred during installation, or it can tear when the wheel is turned to full lock.
Other terms
- Air Suspension
- Blow-off Valve (Diverter Valve)
- Brake Fluid Level Sensor
- Cargo Barrier (Dog Guard)
- Clutch Judder
- Creep Mode (EV Creep Setting)
- EV Charging Adapter
- Fuel Pressure Test
- Injector Coding
- Interior Fragrance System
- Jockey Wheel
- Matching Numbers
- Rear Diffuser
- Rim Width
- Solid-state Battery
- Steering Column
- Tyre Bead
- Tyre Hotel (Tyre Storage Service)
- Valve Cover Gasket (Rocker Cover Gasket)
- Warning Triangle