RAM 3500 HD Truck 2WD L6-6.7L DSL Turbo (2008)
Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: Description and Operation
Description
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is located near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. Two mounting tabs (6) with round holes integral to
the sides of the case are secured by two screws onto the multi-function switch mounting housing. For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) the clockspring also includes an integral, internal Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) that is serviced as a unit with the clockspring.
The clockspring consists of a flat, round molded plastic case (4) with a stubby tail that hangs below the steering column. Within the plastic case is a
spool-like molded plastic rotor with a large exposed hub. The upper surface of the rotor hub has a large center hole, an engagement dowel (5), two short
pigtail wires with connectors (1), and two connector receptacles (3) that face toward the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-centered and with a molded plastic locking pin (2) that snaps into a receptacle on the rotor and is
engaged with tabs on the upper surface of the clockspring case. The locking pin secures the centered clockspring rotor to the clockspring case during
shipment and handling, but must be removed from the clockspring after it is installed on the steering column. See: Service and Repair/Procedures .
The lower surface of the case (1) facing toward the instrument panel includes a locating tab (2) that is engaged by a locating pin on the multi-function
switch mounting housing, two integral connector receptacles (5) and, on clocksprings with a SAS, an additional applied connector (4) with a short pigtail
wire on the lower end, outboard of the two integral connector receptacles. The lower surface of the rotor hub also has a molded plastic turn signal cancel
cam with two lobes (3) that is integral to the rotor.
Within the plastic case and wound around the rotor spool is a long ribbon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire leads sandwiched between
two thin plastic membranes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the connector receptacles that face the instrument panel, while the inner end of the
tape terminates at the pigtail wires and connector receptacles on the hub of the clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If damaged, ineffective or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
