Hyundai Clock Spring Replacement Guide

Learn how to change the clock spring on Hyundai vehicles. The video clips and pictures are from a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, but these instructions should also help owners of other Hyundai models. Many pictures on how to replace the airbag can be found at the end of this guide.

The most common sign of a failed Hyundai clock spring is the airbag light stays on.

• Airbag / SRS light on
• Horn doesn’t work
• The steering wheel buttons don’t work
• Rubbing noise when turning the steering wheel

When the clock spring fails, you may notice only one of these symptoms; before replacing the clock spring, call a Hyundai dealer near you and check if there is an open recall for your car. If an open recall exists, the dealership may fix your Hyundai CLOCK SPRING free.

What you will need

• Hyundai Clock Spring
• Flathead screwdriver
• Metric Sockets
• Ratchet
• Work Gloves
• Torque Wrench
• 21mm socket
• 10mm wrench

Procedure

1. Park the vehicle with the wheels pointing forward.
2. Remove the keys from the ignition.
3. Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood.
4. Locate the battery in the engine bay and disconnect the negative cable. You must loosen the 10 mm bolt to remove the cable from the battery post.
5. Wait at least 10 minutes before you start work on the airbag system.
6. Remove the airbag using a screwdriver to press on the three locking pins holding the Hyundai Elantra airbag.
7. Disconnect the wires from the back of the airbag. The yellow connectors have a safety orange clip that needs to be pulled first before you can disconnect the airbag wires.
8. Have a helper hold the steering wheel to prevent it from turning.
9. Next, remove the 21 mm nut holding the steering wheel. It is easier to remove this nut using a breaker bar.
10. Once you remove the steering wheel, you can access the clock spring. Before removing the clock spring, the plastic trim must be removed, which is held in place with three screws.
11. Install new clock spring in reverse order. Ensure all electrical connectors are secure. Tighten the steering column nut to 50 Nm using a torque wrench.
12. Connect the wires on the back of the airbag and push the orange clips to secure the connector.
13. Press the airbag into the steering wheel to lock it in place. The springs on the steering wheels lock the airbag in place, and no further steps are required to secure the airbag.

If the airbag, SRS, or traction control light comes on, the next step would be to read fault codes. For more help with this step, check out our guide on reading and diagnosing vehicle problems yourself.

Airbag Clockspring Replacement Cost

Replacing a Hyundai clock spring at the dealership can cost anywhere from $650 to $1300. If you return the clock spring yourself, you will spend about $100 on a new one.

How do I know I need to replace the clock spring on a Hyundai? 

The airbag light may come on, or the horn will stop working.

Can you replace a Hyundai clock spring yourself? 

Yes. You can replace the clock spring on a Hyundai with only a few essential tools. The key is resetting the new clock spring, so it is in the center.

Do I need to program the clock spring? 

Once the clock spring is replaced, you don’t need to program in most Hyundai vehicles.  The most you may need to do is start the car and turn the steering wheel from right to left several times. Then, drive for a few minutes, and the calibration should be completed automatically.

Photos from Hyundai Airbag Clock Spring Replacement

Troubleshoot and Reset Airbag Problems

Diagnosing and Resetting the Airbag fault code can be done easily using a YOUCANIC full system scanner. This powerful scanner can help you pin point problems, not just with the airbag system but with all the systems in your Hyundai vehicles.

Applications model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Replacing the clock spring on a Hyundai Elantra is easy and requires about 2 hours.