How do you replace the clock spring on Ford Freestar?

Answer 1

1. Disconnect battery.

2. There are 2 tabs on the side of the steering wheel, pop these off. Then stick a flat edge screwdriver in one of the holes and press on a thin black wire, this will release one edge of the airbag. Repeat for the other side and airbag pops off.

3. Pull off lug for horn from airbag.

4. Open squarish panel on steering wheel.

5. Disconnect both conectors.

6. Using torx screwdriver, remove 6 screws holding button panel and copper ring to steering wheel. Note that button panel sits on top of ring panel, very important when re-assembling these panels back onto the steering wheel.

7. Using 10mm socket, loosen bolt that is attached to metal panel sitting on top of steering whell bolt.

8. Using torx screwdriver, remove 3 screws holding down metal panel.

9. Remove panel, worm gear and gear. Should now see bolt holding steering on.

10. Remove bolt and use puller to pull steering wheel off.

11. There are 3 slots on old clock spring, insert flat screwdriver and push in to release tab and pry slightly on the clock spring.

12. On ignition switch, push black ring up a little and pry metal/plastic tab out. Alternative is to leave tab where it is, cut wire and splice with new wire...you call.

13. Using philips screwdriver, remove 3 screws holding bottom cover onto steering column.

14. Remove screw holding clamp onto clock spring cabling.

15. Pry dash cover down a little just where it meets the steering column so that you can see cabling under dash.

16. Pry connectors apart under dash.

17. Remove clock spring.

18. Reverse procedure to install new clock spring. Note, remove plastic tab that may still be attached to new clock spring. It is a shipping tab only.