RAM 2500 Van V8-5.2L Prop VIN 2 (2000)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
The clockspring assembly is secured with a snap ring to the upper steering column shaft near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel.
The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the fixed clockspring wire harness on the steering column and several
electrical components that rotate with the steering wheel. The rotating components include the driver side airbag module and, if the vehicle is so
equipped, the vehicle speed control switches.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clockspring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be
replaced.
The clockspring assembly consists of a plastic case which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds like a
clockspring with the steering wheel rotation. The electrically conductive tape consists of several fine gauge copper wire leads sandwiched between two
narrow strips of plastic film.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being wound too tightly. To prevent this from
occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is installed on the steering column. Centering the clockspring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering
components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is removed for service or if the steering column is
disconnected from the steering gear allowing the clockspring tape to change position relative to the other steering components, it must be re-centered
following completion of the service or it may be damaged.
