Can a Clock Spring be repaired?

Why is repairing a Clock Spring not a viable option?

While clock spring repair might seem like a good idea, it is not the best solution or approach, as it does not provide long-lasting solutions.

Attempting to fix a damaged airbag squib will likely cause further damage and negatively affect the airbag system’s safety. The slip ring provides many other features.

Why Repairing a Clock Spring Is Not a Reliable Long-Term Fix

Repairing a spiral cable as opposed to replacing it is generally not considered a reliable long-term solution for several reasons:

• High Risk of Recurrence:

Clock springs are delicate and undergo constant flexing during steering. And yes, temporary repairs may restore function briefly. But still, the spring’s internal wiring and plastic components tend to degrade or break again after a short period, often within a month or two. As a result, this can cause intermittent electrical failures or complete system malfunctions.

• Safety Concerns:

Repairing an airbag squib can compromise the system’s ability to deploy correctly, leading to safety risks. Because the airbag squib is integral to airbag deployment, a repaired slip ring poses potential dangers that replacement avoids.

• Limited Lifespan of a Repaired Clock Spring:

Clock Springs are components designed for specific tensions and movements. Hence, repairing them can lead to inconsistent performance. Over time, a repaired spiral cable may lose its tension or break again, causing device malfunctions.

• Complexity and Precision Needed:

The design of an airbag squib is intricate, requiring precise engineering and materials to maintain continuous electrical contact through multiple rotations. As a result, DIY repairs or patch fixes rarely restore the original durability or performance. Even professional repairs may not guarantee the robustness of a complete replacement.

• Cost-Efficiency and Long-Term Reliability:

While sometimes more costly upfront, replacing a clock spring provides a dependable and permanent solution. A replacement ensures compliance with safety standards and restores the full functionality of steering wheel controls and airbag systems, preventing future repair costs and associated risks.

Clock Spring Fitment

If you’re replacing a clock spring in your vehicle, we recommend having a trained technician do it. This is because it involves removing the steering wheel and airbag.

Clock Spring fitment at our sister company, All Auto Electrical.

Conclusion

In summary, while a clock spring repair might temporarily restore functionality, it is rarely a durable fix.

Due to frequent repair failures, replaced clock springs are the recommended, safest, and most reliable long-term solution.

To get a replacement clock spring, visit our website at Clock Springs SA or CONTACT US for a quotation.