Faulty Clockspring? '97 XJ

Post by **Fonger** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:00 pm

I replaced the heater core in Amy's '97 XJ last week. This job requires removing the steering column. The removal/re-installation of the column was not fun, at best. During this removal/re-installation the wheel was turned several times while not being attached to the steering shaft, essentially spinning free. During one of those turns I heard a pop in the wheel. I was so pissed at that point I went ahead and installed everything and figured I'd deal with it later. Well, now is later....I now have no horn, no cruise, and my airbag light is on. I think the pop I heard was me breaking my clockspring and thus rendering my steering wheel controls and airbags useless. Please let me know what you all think. I want to figure this out before I start throwing parts at it since a new clockspring is about $150-$200.

Post by **Yoda** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:04 am

Yup thats the clockspring without a doubt. I've replace mine before. Its essentially a wound up tape wire inside of a hub. So if it got twisted to a certain point it would definitely break the tape wire inside shorting out everything in the steering wheel. Its not a hard install. Should take maybe an hour. My advice would be to get one from a junkyard locally for a little cheaper.

Website · Post by **Slinkey** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:26 pm

definitely sounds like the clock spring. just make sure you have the wheel oriented right when you install the new one, if the clock spring is wound too much in one direction, it will break, so if you don't start with it centered properly, you can break the new one making a full turn. I will post if I find a good write up online.
-Mike

Website · Post by **Slinkey** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:41 pm

This isn't something I would replace with a used part if at all possible, but if necessary:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-05-Je ... 1001r15076

Post by **Fonger** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:11 pm

Thanks. I did some digging around here locally for a used replacement at a junkyard. Downside to used is that you have to buy the entire steering column. Since the airbag won't work without the clockspring you have to buy the whole thing. A complete column from a junkyard around here runs about $400. I can get a clockspring from a dealer locally for about $200. I'll probably just go ahead and order a new piece from a dealer. Better safe than sorry, especially since my wife drives it everyday. Plus, they didn't have the color I wanted at the junkyard.

Website · Post by **Slinkey** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 10:12 pm

Better off with a new one anyway. If you get one used and it has ever been exposed to the elements and has any corrosion, you could have intermittent problems that would drive you crazy or another epic fail and be back to where you are now.

Post by **MILLER** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:58 pm

Haha. Stupid jeeps.