Help, Holy $550 to Replace Clock Spring

first dealership I called today said no go on the Recall....

 

Hi TW -

I took my 2011 Tacoma Off-Road into Pasadena's Toyota dealership (in SoCal) for the rear leaf-spring recall that was never done.
They took care of it but I also asked about my horn not working and mentioned to the advisor based on my readings that it could be the clockspring/spiral cable. He looked up and said there's no recall, but that there was a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and that it's not the same.
Then the advisor wrote down that per the customer's request to have the spiral cable/clockspring replaced and that the estimated cost is $650!
And he also threw in there that it may not fix the horn, so he recommends a "diagnostic."

I myself have checked all fuses, popped the hood, pressed on the horn and can't hear any clicks.

I assume it's the clockspring, but I didn't use a volt meter to check the wires, etc.
My horn works when I hit the panic button on my factory keyless 3 button controller.
So I am going with clockspring and will probably DIY following this forum with an eBay OEM one for $80.

But just wanted to add my experience with bringing up the TSB to the dealer re: clockspring/spiral cable.

 

Also replaced mine with a 10$ (actually, $11.63 shipped) one from Amazon, works A-1

it's my second one (first one was an OEM replacement).

This part is truly a mfg defect.

 

You can get an OEM one for about $50 on eBay, I bought one thinking my 10$ one was defective... ended up being a connector not pushed in far enough (the yellow one at the bottom for airbag)

 

Hey All,

I called the local dealer and Toyota HQ and this is "NO-GO". They are not covering 2010-2012. If you are lucky enough to have one of those models and it got fixed on the dealer's dime - then good for you. If you VIN doesn't check out - not happening.

I filed a complaint with this NHTSA. Easy to do. Less than 3 minutes.....

Let's do this and show Toyota that this is a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!! Tired of this "Corporate Greed!"

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/

 

Sounds like 2015s probably aren’t covered?

 

My 2006 was covered last year. Took it to the dealer for a tranny flush.

 

Yeh.... My dealership is quoting 600$ on service to replace clock spring on top of the 450$ oem clockspring cost..... So looks like I'm gonna diy with oem and be extra careful lmfaooo. I'm in Queens, New York

 

I bought a horn switch that fit under my fan control knob, there were a few blank spots available, I tied the switch into the horn relay wires. Works mint and didn't remove steering wheel just the covers around the steering column.

 

OEM is like $230. That’s a lot.
Question isn’t would you pay someone to wash your laundry. Question is are the cheapo Chinese knockoffs on Amazon and eBay for $30 good enough.

 

Are you sure $600 is just for labor? I've done this job myself, took like an hour in my driveway.

 

you can do this, it's not really hard. I've put a cheap chinese one in mine every couple of years, none of them last, not even the OEM ones.

Lots of you tube vids on how to do it.

 

Chinese knockoffs are either DOA or last a short amount of time (like a year). Get either OEM or a reputable aftermarket brand like WVE or SMP. e.g. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5240103&cc=1502962&pt=10480

 

I think I've swapped out a dozen clock springs over the years.

I've purchased the OEM units for $200+ and aftermarket versions for sub $30.

I've taken OEM units apart side by side with aftermarket units.

Doing these autopsies , I can see no difference. I'm betting they all come from the same overseas factory.

Anymore, I just order the eBay versions.

If there is confusion on which model clock spring I need, I just order both. Might return it or I might take it apart.

 

One popular dealership in Queens said 600$.

Another service guy in toyota dealership town over initially said 800$ for labor (bc of programming). I ask him how that possible bc it's a 2nd gen. Then he got my vin, put me on hold, and came back with a 400$ quote.

Yeh I'm definitely gonna do this myself. Shopping now for oem but when I was in autoparts.toyota, saw 400$

 

What programming?

Setting the clock because the battery was disconnected?

 

Going by the book, maybe they recalibrate VSC because the steering angle sensor is transferred from the old clock spring to the new one?

 

Thanks for the link. I'll settle for shopping here

 

Ok I am going to throw in my 2 cents. Sure you can buy the knockoffs or you can buy OEM. Just like the a user said here probably made in the same factory.

I went with OEM ($200+) and did the self install. Why? I have some insurance from a online (legit) dealer. What if it is the wrong part? Broken? Doesn't fit, etc.?

Plus I look at this as well. The horn and airbag are also in the immediate area. These are 2 life saving measures that I need to make sure work probably for MY SAFETY.

Sure there are people here rocking the $10 knockoff. Kudos to you. My truck (2012) is 13 years and and I replaced this a couple of years ago. Hopefully get another 10 years out of this new part.

Works perfectly and no complaints. There are great videos here and on Youtube. I recommend watching several videos - find one you are comfortable with and then watch that one several times before attempting.

You can shop online at various online dealerships. I got mine at McGeorge Toyota. And no I don't work for them.

Make sure you put in your VIN when shopping online so you get the right part

When it comes to something safety vs convenience I always go OEM.

Any other questions - ask away!

 

Good post^

The truck does a functional test of the SRS every time you start it. If there is failure in the system, you get an air bag light.

I drive my 08 tundra every day. I changed the ribbon cable in 2012. It's running fine.

Still, I am never going to trust the 17 year old SRS completely. I believe in redundancy and wear my seatbelt.