Replacing a clock spring in your Toyota Tundra might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s a task you can confidently tackle at home. A crucial tool for this job is a Car Wheel Puller Tool, essential for safely removing the steering wheel and accessing the clock spring. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful replacement. Remember, safety is paramount when working with steering and airbag systems, so proceed with caution.
Before we begin, let’s gather everything you’ll need.
Parts List:
- Clock Spring – Ensure it’s compatible with your Toyota Tundra model. (The original article mentions a specific part number “Cable Sub-Assy, Spiral Calbe Clock Spring for Toyota Camry Corolla 84306-48030” which may or may not be universally compatible, always verify fitment for your vehicle year and model).
Tools Required:
- 10mm socket/wrench
- 19mm socket/wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Plastic trim removal tool
- Torque wrench
- Car wheel puller tool (rentable from most auto parts stores like Advance Auto)
- T-30 Torx bit with screwdriver or socket wrench
Safety First:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal: This is the most critical step. Use your 10mm socket to disconnect the negative terminal and wait at least 15 minutes. This ensures the airbag system is fully disengaged, preventing accidental deployment which can cause serious injury.
- Lock the steering wheel: Before disconnecting anything, lock your steering wheel in place. This will help maintain alignment and make reinstallation easier. Note the current steering wheel alignment or use tape to mark its position.
Step-by-Step Clock Spring Replacement:
- Remove Steering Wheel Side Covers: Use a plastic trim removal tool to carefully pry off the plastic covers located on both sides of the steering wheel. These covers conceal the bolts securing the airbag.
- Loosen Airbag Torx Bolts: Using your T-30 Torx bit and screwdriver or socket wrench, locate and loosen the Torx bolts behind the covers you just removed. These bolts are usually retained within plastic clips and don’t need to be fully removed, just loosened enough to release the airbag.
- Carefully Detach the Airbag: Gently pull the airbag module from the steering wheel, starting from the top. Once you have enough access, reach behind the airbag to disconnect the electrical connectors. Important: Handle the airbag with extreme care and point it to the side, away from your body, as a safety precaution.
- Disconnect Steering Wheel Connectors: On the steering wheel itself, you’ll find two white electrical connectors. Disconnect these carefully.
- Disconnect Airbag Connectors: Now, turn your attention to the airbag module. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the locking mechanisms on the two connectors attached to the airbag. Once unlocked, disconnect the connectors. Also, detach the ground wire from the airbag module.
- Remove the Steering Wheel Nut: Locate the central locking nut holding the steering wheel in place. Use your 19mm socket and wrench to remove this nut.
- Employ the Car Wheel Puller Tool: This is where the car wheel puller tool comes into play. Rent or purchase one from your local auto parts store if you don’t already own one. These tools are designed to safely and evenly remove steering wheels without damaging the steering column or wheel.
- Install the Car Wheel Puller: Attach the car wheel puller tool to the steering wheel. Typically, this involves using M8-1.25 bolts (ensure compatibility with your puller and vehicle) screwed into the threaded holes on the steering wheel. Follow the instructions provided with your specific car wheel puller tool.
- Remove the Steering Wheel: Using the car wheel puller tool, carefully and slowly pull the steering wheel off the steering column. Ensure the puller is aligned correctly to avoid damage.
- Remove Clock Spring Cover Screws: Once the steering wheel is removed, you’ll see the clock spring assembly. Remove the two Phillips head screws that secure the upper plastic cover.
- Detach Lower Plastic Cover: Gently pull the lower plastic cover downwards to detach it, providing access to the clock spring connectors.
- Disconnect Clock Spring Connectors and Remove: Disconnect the three electrical connectors located at the bottom of the clock spring. After disconnecting these, you can slide the old clock spring assembly off the steering column.
- Component Transfer (If Necessary): Compare your old clock spring with the new one. In the original article, there was a component on the old clock spring that needed to be transferred to the new one. Carefully unclip and transfer any such components to your new clock spring assembly.
-
Install New Clock Spring and Reassemble: Install the new clock spring assembly by sliding it onto the steering column. Reconnect the three bottom connectors. Then, reverse the removal process to reassemble all components:
- Reinstall the lower plastic cover.
- Reinstall the upper plastic cover with the Phillips head screws.
- Carefully align and reinstall the steering wheel, ensuring it matches your alignment marks.
- Reinstall the 19mm steering wheel nut and tighten it to the torque specification for your vehicle (consult your repair manual for the correct torque).
- Reconnect the white connectors on the steering wheel.
- Reconnect the airbag connectors and the ground wire to the airbag module.
- Carefully push the airbag module back into place until it clicks and is secure.
- Reinstall the Torx bolts on each side of the steering wheel covers and tighten them.
- Reinstall the plastic side covers on the steering wheel.
- Finally, reconnect the negative battery terminal using your 10mm socket.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully replaced the clock spring in your Toyota Tundra using a car wheel puller tool. Remember to test all steering wheel controls and ensure no warning lights are illuminated on your dashboard. If you experience any issues, double-check your connections and consult a professional mechanic if needed. Having the right tools, like a car wheel puller tool, makes jobs like this significantly easier and safer for the DIY car enthusiast.
