How Much Does a Clock Spring Replacement Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

The clock spring connects to a vehicle’s steering wheel, allowing it to turn while still running the other electronic components.  This device is found in the steering wheel of a car, but it also has other uses in technology.

In older vehicle models, a clock spring was not necessary since the steering wheel’s only function was to turn the car. In today’s automobiles, however, the steering wheel does a lot more.  Many steering wheels have buttons, such as cruise control or radio controls, that are also connected electronically, and in order for all of these to continue working while allowing the steering wheel to move freely, the clock spring is vital.

Usually, when the airbag light comes on or other electronic components fail, this could be a sign that the clock spring needs to be replaced.  The average cost of a clock spring is going to depend on the make and model of the car, the mechanic you choose and geographical location.

BMW Steering wheel by Debs (ò‿ó)♪, on Flickr
BMW Steering wheel” (CC BY 2.0) by  Debs (ò‿ó)♪

How much does an airbag clock spring replacement cost?

For a clock spring, the parts alone will cost $80 to $150; however, if a professional mechanic is going to replace the clock spring for you, the average job will cost anywhere from $200 to as much as $400.

According to JustAnswer.com, an ASE certified technician claimed that it could cost $82 for the part and less than one hour to perform the job.

Doityourselfandsave.blogspot.com stated that if you are going to take your car to the dealer for this repair, plan on spending $300 to $400 to have a clock spring replaced.




Airbag clock spring replacement overview

The clock spring is a special connector that allows the car’s steering wheel to turn while creating a connection with the airbag, horn, and other parts of the car’s electrical system.  This particular part is located between the steering wheel and the steering column.

A clock spring is a flat cable that is wound in a spiral shape that looks similar to a clock spring.

The average clock spring repair is going to take less than one hour.

During the repair, the steering wheel cover will be removed.  Once the cover is removed, the airbag will be unbolted and the wiring will be disconnected.  When disconnected, the entire steering wheel will be removed from the assembly.  When the steering wheel is removed, the clock spring will be accessible and replaced with the new part.  The entire steering column will then be reassembled, and the mechanic will ensure that all of the connections have been made correctly.

What are the extra costs?

With this type of repair, the steering column often has to be repaired or replaced.  If it has to be repaired, this can cost an additional $100 to $300.

If your car is a special make or model, you may have to wait for the parts to come in.  In this case, the parts will be more expensive.  In general, the higher the value of your car, the higher the price of auto repairs.

Tips to know:

Be sure to check with your car’s warranty.  Some manufacturers will replace this part if your car has a certain number of miles.  Even if you do not have an extended warranty, some may have a recall from the past or certain restrictions.  If you are unsure, call up the local dealer to see if they can point you in the right direction.

If you have a feeling your clock spring is going bad, get this repaired right away.  Failing to do so can lead to malfunctioning airbags, as well as other parts such as the horn, radio, cruise control, heat, and phone.

Clock springs will usually fail when the connectors melt during airbag deployment.  If you have been in an accident that caused the airbag to deploy, you should get the clock spring checked to make sure it is still working properly.

Symptoms of a bad clock spring can include an illuminated airbag light, the horn doesn’t work, the cruise control switch doesn’t work, the steering wheel buttons don’t work and/or you hear a rubbing-like noise when turning the steering wheel.

How can I save money?

Try your best to avoid the car dealership.  Many tend to charge two or even three times the amount of what local mechanics usually charge.

If you do not have a mechanic that you use every time your car needs a repair, consider talking with a handful of mechanics in the area.  If you know that the clock spring needs to be repaired, most mechanics will be more than happy to offer you a quote over the phone.

If you have some car knowledge, consider doing the job on your own.  Using that Blogspot link above, you can read their step-by-step instructions.  If you want to do the job on your own, you will need a screwdriver and wrench set.  These are simple tools that most people have around the house anyway.


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Average Reported Cost: $540.11

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0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Phillip Alexander (Dallas,  TX) paid $538 and said:

    After hearing a clicking noise when my van turned the corner, I was told it was my clock spring from Dodge. $538 later it was repaired.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  2. Jessica (Denton,  Texas) paid $530 and said:

    Paid $530 after taxes. Dealership service center

    Was it worth it? Yes

  3. JP (Naples,  Florida) paid $650 and said:

    Horn was not working. The Nissan dealer said it was the clock spring. Now that I have had time to read up on it, I doubt it was the clock spring as the cruise control and radio controls all worked fine. I wish I had read about it before.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  4. Bryan (North Hampton,  New Hampshire) paid $200 and said:

    I bought the part from a dealer for $90.00 and my mechanic installed it for $100.00.
    It took a little less than 1 hour.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  5. Jiminy (Dover,  Delaware) paid $331 and said:

    Sounds like the high end of the price range.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  6. Sam (Kissimmee ,  Florida) paid $12 and said:

    I got the Clock spring from a part store on Amazon installed it myself I have zero mechanic experience

    Was it worth it? Yes

  7. Dave Houda (Naperville,  Illinois) paid $1000 and said:

    After having my ignition switch replaced, the horn won’t work, air bag and traction control lights are on. I received a quote from the dealership service center to replace the clock spring for $1000. Based on the pricing here I am going to shop around.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  8. Jack (Westbury,  New York) paid $1200 and said:

    I had an issue with the horn sounding randomly, was told by the dealership it’s a bad clock spring. The part I was told was $800.00+ tax and installation so the whole job was almost $1200.00. Had no choice got the job done. A week later the horn is.randomly sounding took it back and now as per.the dealer the tech says via diagnostics the jeep needs a power distribution center for $1200.00. I feel.as.though this is a case of lets throw parts at this problem because we don’t know whats wrong.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  9. Art Smith (Eldersburg,  Maryland) paid $400 and said:

    I’m now looking for a new mechanic

    Was it worth it? Yes

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