Clockspring replacement-- 99' GCL

[Goldfishy]

I tried to do a search here but it went into other cars. I'm planning to see if it's worth for me to try to replace the clockspring myself. I can do some basic stuff up to doing my own wheel bearings/hub replacement, lol.

But this problem (ABS light always on and rings at time), but I understand the clockspring is also responsible for the cruise control and horn not to work either, since they are all tied in.

The part itself cost about $148.00, but the dealer wants $250-300 for the labor.

Anyone able to share the clockspring replacement?

[dcx96]

1. make sure the wheels are pointing perfectly straight.
2.remove airbag module from wheel.
3.discount the steering wheel wire harness connector from the upper clockspring connectorrecepacle, which is located between the 2 upper spokes of the armature within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
4.remove the nut that secues the steering wheel armature to the steering column upper shaft, which is located within the hub cavity of the wheel.
5.pull the steering wheel off of the steering column upper shaft spline using a 2 jawwed puller ( special tool c-3894-a) . when installing the puller onto the steering wheel, be certain that each jaw of the puller is seated in the pocket that is cast into the underside of the sterring wheel armature on each side of the hub, also if the clockspring is to be reused, be certain not to damage or deform the clockspring case when positioning the jaws of the puller below the steering wheel armature hub.
6.remove the screw that secures the lower tilting steering column shroud to the steering column multifunction switch mounting housing.
7. unsnap the 2 halves of the tilting steering column shroud from each other and remove both halves from the column.
8. discounnect the 2 instrument panel wire harness connectors from the lower clockspring connector recepatacles.
9.remove the 2 screws that secure the clockspring case to the multifunction switch mounting haousing.
10.remove the clockspring from the column by sliding the clockspring hub up and off the column upper shaft. the clockspring cannot be repaired. it must be replaced if faulty or damaged or if the driver side airbag has been deplyed.

thats right from the Jeep service manual that the techs use. if you need install ifo please ask.

[dksob81]

the only thing I have to add to this would be to disconnect the negative battery terminal and leave it disconnect for at least 10 minutes before doing anything. This is to allow the airbag module to discharge so it does not accidently deploy.

I suprised you FSM didn't mention that DCX96.

and in all honestly, I did one on my old jeep (94 ZJ), it is a very easy job to do. a steering wheel puller makes the job easier but with enough umph you can yank it off (I recommend the puller tho).

[Goldfishy]

Guys, thanks!!

Okay, I read this a few times and going to print it out. The only thing I'm concerned about is item #2--remove the airbag module from wheel.

Is there another instructional write-up on that? I know now to disconnect the negative battery terminal first so that the bag does not deploy prematurely.

[dksob81]

if the airbag module is the same as on the ZJ's, which I am sure it is similar, there are 4 nuts (10 mm on my ZJ) in the back of the steering wheel which you remove then the airbag will pull off of the steering wheel.

[dcx96]

here we go.

1. disconnect and isolate the battery cable negative. if either of the airbags have not been deployed wait 2 minutes for the system capacitor to discharge b4 going any fither.
2.from the underside of the steering wheel remove the 2 screws that secure the driver side airbag module to the steering wheel.
3.pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to access the 2 wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.
4. disconnect the steering wheel wire harness connector from the horn switch feed wire connector, which is secured to the upper trim cover retainer on the back of the airbag module.
5. the clockspring airbag wire harness connector is a tight snap fit into the airbag module connector receptacle, which is located on the airbag inflator on the back of the airbag module. firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to disconnect it from the airbag module. do not pull on the clockspring wire harness to disengage the connector from the airbag module connector receptacle.
6.remove the driver side airbag module from the steering wheel.
7. if the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced

Install.

1. when installing the driver side airbag module reconnect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to the airbag module connector recepatacle by pressing straight in on the connector. you can be certain that the connector is fully ingaged by listening carefully for a distinct audible click as the connector snaps into place.
2.reconnect the steering wheel wire harness connector to the horn switch feed wire connector, which is secured to the upper trim cover retainer on the back of the airbag module.
3. carefully position the driver side airbag module in the steering wheel. be certain that the steering wheel and clockspring wire harness in the steering wheel hub area are not oinched between the module and the wheel.
4. from the underside of the steering wheel install and tighten the 2 driver side module mounting screws to 90 in. lbs
5. DO NOT reconnect the battery negative cable at this time
I must warn you on this one if you have a DRB scan tool us e that for this step if not good luck doing it this way. turn the ignition to the on position then turn off for about 10 seconds watch the airbag lamp on the cluster it should light for about 6- 8 seconds and go out if so you golden. be careful incase the bag deployes. I assume no responsibility for anything that may acure to you someone else or the vehicle. Good luck.
7.