How to Remove the Steering Wheel Clock Spring on the Tiguan?
3 Answers
The method to remove the steering wheel clock spring on the Tiguan is as follows: First, you need to remove the steering wheel and the airbag. There is a screw on the steering wheel; simply remove it. More information about the steering wheel clock spring is provided below: 1. The clock spring is a very fine spring, typically made of steel, coiled around the balance wheel. The effective length of the clock spring determines the moment of inertia and the amplitude period of the balance wheel. The steering wheel clock spring is a ring-shaped component that connects the airbag, ensuring that the airbag remains powered while rotating with the steering wheel, and the internal wires do not break due to frequent twisting. This ensures the airbag functions at all times. If the clock spring fails, the airbag will be rendered useless. 2. The steering wheel needs to rotate freely, turning two to three times during maneuvers like U-turns or parking. The horn or other control buttons on the steering wheel cannot be directly connected with wires, so the conductive clock spring acts as the wire, reliably transmitting electrical signals no matter how the steering wheel is turned. A faulty clock spring can result in the horn not sounding when pressed.
I previously replaced the clock spring on my Tiguan, and this job requires extra caution. First, you must disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the airbag system to discharge. Otherwise, removing the steering wheel could trigger the airbag. To remove the steering wheel airbag, use a T30 Torx bit inserted through the holes on the back of the steering wheel to release the clips—never force it open. The steering wheel nut requires a 19mm socket to remove, and be sure to mark the alignment between the steering wheel and the steering column to avoid misalignment during reassembly. After removing the steering wheel, take off the upper and lower shrouds, carefully prying the clips with a plastic trim tool. The original clock spring is secured by two T10 screws, and once removed, immediately secure the clock spring disc with a zip tie—otherwise, rotating it more than three full turns will render it useless. When installing the new clock spring, ensure its center point aligns with the marked position; otherwise, the steering will be off-center, requiring a redo. Throughout the process, avoid touching the yellow airbag connectors—they are extremely delicate. Honestly, this job carries significant risks if done yourself, and unless you're experienced, I strongly recommend taking it to a professional repair shop.
Removing the steering wheel clock spring on the Tiguan is quite a test of patience. I worked from afternoon till dark. The key is to disconnect the power—I removed the negative terminal of the battery and waited half an hour before starting. To remove the airbag, you need to crouch down and look for two small holes on the backside of the steering wheel, then use a T-wrench to poke inside and release the retaining clips. The large nut in the center of the steering wheel requires strong force to loosen—it's best to find an extension bar for help. When disconnecting the airbag wiring harness, pinch the clip and gently wiggle it out; pulling hard can damage the pins. There's a white locating pin under the original clock spring—remember to take a photo of its position before removal. Before installing the new clock spring, manually center it; you'll hear a click when it locks in place. Be careful not to let the wires wrap around the steering column during routing—I once had them tangled and severed. Finally, when reinstalling the cover, align it with the slots; a snapping sound confirms it's properly seated. For testing, don’t reinstall the steering wheel yet—turn on the ignition to check if the airbag light goes off before reassembling everything.
