The clock spring and steering angle sensor on most VW are integrated into one part and will have to be replaced as one unit. If replacing the clock spring and steering angle sensor, follow the step-by-step procedures below.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms you may notice when you have a bad VW clock spring or steering angle sensor.

  • The airbag light stays on
  • Horn won’t work
  • Traction control / stability control light on
  • ABS light stays on
  • Cruise control won’t work.
  • The steering wheel buttons don’t work.

Depending on which part fails, you may notice one of these problems or may have several issues.

What you will need

SaleBestseller No. 1
DORMAN 525-104 Air Bag Clock Spring
DORMAN 525-104 Air Bag Clock Spring
Ideal solution – engineered to ensure proper restoration of air bag system performance
$61.01
Bestseller No. 1
Stability Control Steering Angle Sensor - Compatible with 2005-2014 Volvo XC90 (with DSTC)
Stability Control Steering Angle Sensor – Compatible with 2005-2014 Volvo XC90 (with DSTC)
With DSTC; Compatible with or fits: 2005 – 2014 Volvo XC90; Stability Control Steering Angle Sensor
$471.95
  • M12 Triple Square Bit
  • Ratchet Wrench or Breaker Bar
  • Screwdriver
  • Work Gloves
  • Thread lock
  • Torx bit set
  • Torque wrench

Instructions

Here is how to change a Volkswagen’s clock spring and steering angle sensor.

  1. Make sure the front wheels are pointing forward. vw wheel position to change clock spring steering angle sensor
  2. Open the hood and disconnect the battery. disconnect vw battery before chaning clock spring steering angle sensorYou should do this while keeping the ignition on or the position I; otherwise, the steering wheel will lock up, and you won’t be able to turn the steering wheel.
  3. Wait 15 minutes before you proceed to the next step.
  4. Remove the upper trim on the steering wheel column. In most cases, it will lift. Usually, there are only clips, no screws. Release the airbag. Turn the steering wheel to bring the left hole on the left of the steering wheel to the top. Insert a screwdriver in the hole on the back of the steering wheel and release the airbag. release vw airbag
  5. Do the same on the other side of the steering wheel to completely release the airbag.release vw airbag Make sure to keep your body at least one foot away from the airbag. Airbags may deploy while working on the vehicle and cause injuries or damage. Removing the airbag can be tricky and requires patience. For more help with this step, follow our detailed guide on how to remove a VW airbag.
  6. Disconnect the airbag wires and carefully put the airbag to the side. vw airbag wires
  7. Use an M12 triple square bit to loosen and remove the round bolt that holds the steering wheel. vw steering wheel bolt
  8. Mark the steering column and steering column shaft to reinstall the steering wheel in the same location.mark vw steering wheel
  9. Remove the steering wheel from the steering column by pulling it towards you. remove vw steering wheel
  10. Remove the lower plastic trim that covers the steering column. Remove the three Torx bit screws that secure the lower trim. vw dash trim
  11. Remove the screws that hold the clock spring. vw stering column trim removal
  12. Unplug the electrical connector from the clock spring. Make sure to press on the connector tab to be able to release, then pull the connector out.clock spring connector
  13. Remove the clock spring from the steering column by pulling it out. vw steering angle sensor clock spring removed
  14. Install the new clock spring in reverse order. Before you reinstall the clock spring, make sure to find the center of the new clock spring. Turn the clock spring to the left, then turn it to the right and count the revolutions. Typically you will have five revolutions. Come back 2.5 revolutions to set the clock sprig on center. VW clock spring steering angle sensor
  15. Install the steering wheel in reverse order. Torque the steering wheel to specification and use thread lock on the threads.
  16. Reconnect the airbag and press it on the steering wheel to install it.
  17. Reconnect the battery.
  18. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times to reset the stability control or any other warning lights that may have come on.

In most cases, turning the steering to the left and right will reset the steering angle sensor. If this procedure fails, you must reset the VW steering angle sensor with a VW scanner.

YOUCANIC UCAN2 SCANNER

The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every vehicle’s control module.

Even though the pictures are from a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, the instructions will help you change the clock spring on VW Golf, Eos, Passat, Rabit, GTI, Routan, Tiguan, etc. The procedure is very similar to all Volkswagens. The main difference will be the step on how to release the airbag.

Torque Specs

  • Steering wheel bolt to the steering column – 50 Nm

How much does replacing a VW clock spring/steering angle sensor cost?

The average price to change a clock spring and steering angle sensor at an auto repair shop ranges between $300 and $500. The average price to change a VW clock spring (excluding tools) is between $40 and $100.

How do I know my VW clock spring is bad?

Your airbag light may have a code for the driver’s airbag. Horn won’t work; the steering wheel buttons won’t work.

Can I drive with a bad VW clock spring?

You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it because the driver’s airbag may not deploy if you get involved in an accident.

Does a VW clock spring have to be replaced?

It can be reused if faulty and the clock spring is still good.

Does a VW clock spring need programming?

No. After you install a VW clock spring, it will work. You need to set the clock spring properly, and steering angle calibration may need to be carried out to reset the steering angle sensor.

We hope you find the VW Clock Spring & Steering Angle Sensor Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volkswagen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Comments

  1. Derek Martinez says:

    Thank you very much for this video. Is there any reason that the “EPC” light would come on immediately after replacing the clock spring in a 2010 Passat? Any thoughts?

    1. The steering angle may need to be reset or you have a bad ABS wheel speed sensor. Those are the first two things that come to mind. If you can read the codes from EPC control module, you will be able to know exactly why as without the codes, we are just guessing.