Did I break my clock spring?

[Kerpal]

While I had my steering shaft removed to put a new one in today, I think I may have turned the steering wheel too far to one side. Now when I turn the wheel lock to lock there are a few spots where I feel resistance and continuing to turn the wheel makes a loud click. Broken/shifted clock spring possibly? My horn still works, but I assume the clock spring is the only part in the steering column that could cause this. The noise is definately coming from the upper part of the steering column near the wheel. Any thoughts?

 

[9050lx]

Sounds likely,I replaced mine last year,100 bucks from ford,the part was updated in 1991 I believe with a new backing plate and less moving parts.

 

[Jaswir]

yea u broke it, i did the same thing and also made the same sound after i put the steering wheel on... i was going to replace it but ford said it was like 180 bucks so i never got around to it... so i took it off and removed it... i need to get it fixed!

 

[smokin91']

What does the clock spring do? Make the wheel center itself when you let go of it?

 

[superhuaman]

lol no, it connects the air bag to the rest of the airbag system

 

[smokin91']

LOL i didnt know what the heck is what thats why I asked. My guess was just a shot in the dark.

 

[Kerpal]

I think I may have fixed it... I took the clockspring off and centered it, then put it back on the steering column (while the wheel was centered). Seems to have gotten rid of the resistance & click sound while turning the wheel.

I do still have one noise while turning from full lock to full lock, but it seems to be coming from much lower in the steering... maybe a worn inner tie rod? It never ends...