Why do they call it the clock spring?

[Bushbasher]

Just spent an hour or so changing the "clock spring" on the wagon and I have to wonder why it's called a clock spring in the first place. A clock spring is a spiral wound flat spring so I expected to see a flat tape type cluster of wires that spiraled round under the airbag somehow. What I found was nothing like that. It's 2 plastic disks pressed together with one fixed to the column and the other fitted over the steering wheel shaft so it rotates with the wheel. I assume there's the usual copper ring and brush type setup inside the discs to close the airbag circuit. None of this is remotely like a clock spring in any way that I can see so why the name.

On the plus side, once I'd borrowed the right torx bit to get the airbag off it was easy enough to change and only cost $65 to get a replacement part from the local wreckers.


Bushbasher

[tufLTD]

The clock spring is inside the plastic discs.

[fairmont1998]

tufLTD is spot on, and not only are the airbag wires in there, the horn, cruise buttons and radio buttons are all connected through the clockspring. Something you won't be able to achieve with copper rings and brushes.

[InfernoSR]

So whats the difference between the "clock spring" and a Slip Ring setup?

[fairmont1998]

Originally Posted by BLUEPRINT

So whats the difference between the "clock spring" and a Slip Ring setup?

The main benefit of a clock spring is you can run more wires through the restricted space available behind a steering wheel. Also there are no contacts or brushes, the wires in them are hard wired or connected by plugs.

Here is a pic, taken from www.timgilles.com that shows the ribbon cable inside the clock spring. The cable is long enough to allow enough turns left and right without straining the ribbon.

[InfernoSR]

Originally Posted by fairmont1998

The main benefit of a clock spring is you can run more wires through the restricted space available behind a steering wheel. Also there are no contacts or brushes, the wires in them are hard wired or connected by plugs.

Here is a pic, taken from www.timgilles.com that shows the ribbon cable inside the clock spring. The cable is long enough to allow enough turns left and right without straining the ribbon.

Ah... thanks for that... now i know

[Bushbasher]

Originally Posted by fairmont1998

The main benefit of a clock spring is you can run more wires through the restricted space available behind a steering wheel. Also there are no contacts or brushes, the wires in them are hard wired or connected by plugs.

Here is a pic, taken from www.timgilles.com that shows the ribbon cable inside the clock spring. The cable is long enough to allow enough turns left and right without straining the ribbon.

Thanks for that, that's what I was expecting to see when I did the job.

Cheers
Bushbasher

[jimbobpro]

how do you change the clock spring any help would be grate thanks guys