Steering wheel install - troubleshooting concerns
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Steering wheel install - troubleshooting concerns
I installed an aftermarket carbon fiber steering wheel. Completed the button swap & RPM display. I buttoned everything up and started the car no problem. All buttons worked but noticed wheel was saying it is turned to the right when it is straight, even though I put in correct direction of key slot.
I figured out how to correct this by slightly adjusting the wheel on gear click on 2nd time taking apart wheel. However after installing it was in the wrong direction.
As I wait for the battery to drain a 3rd time, my question is; can I plug everything in except the airbag, start up the car and be able to test the wheel alignment? In the event that if I need to remove again, I can faster? I will unconnect battery when installing airbag correctly. Removing the airbag is the hardest part. I have an Inova 3000 OBD reader for codes that may pop up after everything is set correct.
I figured out how to correct this by slightly adjusting the wheel on gear click on 2nd time taking apart wheel. However after installing it was in the wrong direction.
As I wait for the battery to drain a 3rd time, my question is; can I plug everything in except the airbag, start up the car and be able to test the wheel alignment? In the event that if I need to remove again, I can faster? I will unconnect battery when installing airbag correctly. Removing the airbag is the hardest part. I have an Inova 3000 OBD reader for codes that may pop up after everything is set correct.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Issue was my clock spring. It was one rotation over to the right. I centered it and the backup guidelines work as intended and I have full steering capability in both directions. I noticed plastic crumbling/clicking noise when turning but there is no warning sign on my dash. I’m assuming the wiring inside the clock spring needs to get adjusted but I’m hoping it’s not damaged.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Question for you. You mention the battery drain for the 3rd time. What was causing the battery drain? The reason I ask is, I tried to swap my steering wheel last Thursday but ran into an issue with the steering wheel bolt. I ended up putting the airbag back in but in the process broke the green and white wire that I assumed controlled the horn as the horn is not working when I push the airbag. We left on a 13-hour drive and the next day the battery was dead.
I had never replaced the battery since I bought the car in 2020 with 2200 miles. I had the battery checked and it only had 14cca under load and was date coded 6\19. I replaced the battery yesterday and the car started fine and reads just over 14v, Should I be worried that something else is at play here, causing the battery to drain?
Thanks
Wade
I had never replaced the battery since I bought the car in 2020 with 2200 miles. I had the battery checked and it only had 14cca under load and was date coded 6\19. I replaced the battery yesterday and the car started fine and reads just over 14v, Should I be worried that something else is at play here, causing the battery to drain?
Thanks
Wade
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Question for you. You mention the battery drain for the 3rd time. What was causing the battery drain? The reason I ask is, I tried to swap my steering wheel last Thursday but ran into an issue with the steering wheel bolt. I ended up putting the airbag back in but in the process broke the green and white wire that I assumed controlled the horn as the horn is not working when I push the airbag. We left on a 13-hour drive and the next day the battery was dead.
I had never replaced the battery since I bought the car in 2020 with 2200 miles. I had the battery checked and it only had 14cca under load and was date coded 6\19. I replaced the battery yesterday and the car started fine and reads just over 14v, Should I be worried that something else is at play here, causing the battery to drain?
Thanks
Wade
I had never replaced the battery since I bought the car in 2020 with 2200 miles. I had the battery checked and it only had 14cca under load and was date coded 6\19. I replaced the battery yesterday and the car started fine and reads just over 14v, Should I be worried that something else is at play here, causing the battery to drain?
Thanks
Wade
I am looking for an image of my clock spring cable so I can check if I routed the cabling correctly.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
If anyone can help this is what my wheel is like after correcting the clock spring so that rear view cam shows car is aligned.
I notice the LCD screen coming on & off, I need to check the splicing. Is the little clicking okay to drive on, or should I resolve now before it gets worse and I destroy the clock spring?
I routed the clock spring cabling to what seem correct as it can turn, but maybe on the extremities it gets caught.
How should the cabling look (routed through the clock spring rollers) when the car wheels are pointed straight?
Added a Google drive link with a video I took before work since file is too large.
C7 Clock Spring clicking
I notice the LCD screen coming on & off, I need to check the splicing. Is the little clicking okay to drive on, or should I resolve now before it gets worse and I destroy the clock spring?
I routed the clock spring cabling to what seem correct as it can turn, but maybe on the extremities it gets caught.
How should the cabling look (routed through the clock spring rollers) when the car wheels are pointed straight?
Added a Google drive link with a video I took before work since file is too large.
C7 Clock Spring clicking
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,002
Likes: 2,679
If you didn't install it right you can get all sorts of issues. Would need to see the whole thing in pictures from bare column, to installation of the clock spring with sensor and stalks then the wheel being installed over that.
If you ever over travel a clock spring even if it doesn't snap you messed it up. Those parts are stupid sensitive.
If you ever over travel a clock spring even if it doesn't snap you messed it up. Those parts are stupid sensitive.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Yeah I ended up buying a new clock spring. It got delivered today will install over the weekend. I got the steering column cover off so it’s just replacing the clock spring, putting the cover back on and then the steering wheel. Took it off enough times to know what to do, just need to take my time to avoid breaking anything.
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