Clock Spring Replacement

Hey all.

Recently my airbag light came on, and shortly after my cruise control and horn died on me.

I imagine they all went out at the same time but it took a few days for me to use my cruise control and horn to notice.

Im assuming it’s a busted clock spring and I’ll run the codes in a few days. I was wondering if anyone has replaced their 1st gen‘s clock spring and if it’s as straightforward as I think it is.

I’ve only seen 2nd and 3rd gen videos and forums posts. Is there anything specific I should know in terms of steering wheel/airbag removal and reattachment?

Cheers.

 

I would carefully check all fuses, switches and connections before assuming the clock spring is wonky.

 

2nd gen ones are really straight forward, I would think 1st gen is just as easy. The $9-$12 Amazon ones worked great for me.

 

I didn't center a steering rack a few years ago and after turning the wheel to one side more than it was supposed to be turned the airbag wire must have split. Same thing. Airbag light has been on for 2 years. Bought the clock spring but never installed. Cruise and horn still worked so never really cared too much. Thing has been collecting dust for a while now. I could have sworn I saw a video on YouTube of a first gen. Looks pretty easy just never got it done. Months after that I centered the steering rack and just continued living my life with the AB light on. Maybe one day...

Inspire me with some pictures once you tackle it!

 

For sure! I hope everything’s as straightforward as I think it is. If anything the first gen should be simpler than the second gen!

 

3rd gen 4 Runners are the same so look for info on their forums as well. I definitely watched a video and said that's it? It's not hard. The only detail you need to know is how to center the clock spring before install. Some come centered I believe but it's basically just making sure that it has 2.5 turns to each side I believe but don't quote me. There is info on the net about the details and how to install. Like I said, just never got around to it but it looks easy.

 

@Timmah!

https://youtu.be/-kByS-4puf0

 

I did it! Pretty straightforward yes. But a bit tricky getting everything off and disconnected. Didn’t take too many photos but the two I did are of the airbag being detached and after the wheel came off. Notice the little horn cord attached to the airbag!

very easy process, but again takes a bit of patience and elbow grease getting that wheel off. Hopefully my “knock-off” part will last!

 

Shit! Now I have to do mine. I was hoping you were going to be lazy about it. LOLOL

 

My horn hasn't worked in a long time and the airbag light has been on probably the same amount of time. Surprisingly, the airbag light has not burned out yet. Trying to give the old 1995.5 some t.l.c. and maybe fix this.

Did anyone else notice the horn button doesn't bounce back the same way?

Any luck with good after market parts?