Freelander 1 2004 TD4 airbag clockspring.

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Jonny H

Active Member
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243
Location
Spain
Hi again, I hope someone can help me out. I'm in the process of fitting a new clockspring and have got as far as removing the old one.
The new one appears to be the correct part and has all the right connectors etc. but, on the old one, the yellow wire to connect to the airbag sits at the 12 o'clock position and the two other connectors are at the 6 o'clock position.
On the new one, the airbag wire is at 12 o'clock and the two connectors are at about 11 o'clock.
Do I need to rotate it to get the connectors in the 6 o'clock position and if so, how do I know I have it centralised, so I don't damage it, going from lock to lock?
Or do I just need to move the connectors half a turn to the 6 o'clock position?
I hope that makes sense to someone!
Thanks in advance.
 
Hi again, I hope someone can help me out. I'm in the process of fitting a new clockspring and have got as far as removing the old one.
The new one appears to be the correct part and has all the right connectors etc. but, on the old one, the yellow wire to connect to the airbag sits at the 12 o'clock position and the two other connectors are at the 6 o'clock position.
On the new one, the airbag wire is at 12 o'clock and the two connectors are at about 11 o'clock.
Do I need to rotate it to get the connectors in the 6 o'clock position and if so, how dol I know I have it centralised, so I don't damage it, going from lock to lock?
Or do I just need to move the connectors half a turn to the 6 o'clock position?
I hope that makes sense to someone!
Thanks in advance.
Having looked more closely, it looks as if the blue retaining clip on the new one is fitted in a different position than is was on the old one, I can see the where the clip was broken off on the old part.
Can I just rotate it to the 12 o'clock position and do I clockwise or anti- clockwise?
 

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Having looked more closely, it looks as if the blue retaining clip on the new one is fitted in a different position than is was on the old one, I can see the where the clip was broken off on the old part.
Can I just rotate it to the 12 o'clock position and do I clockwise or anti- clockwise?
Hi,

I doesn’t look as genuine one. Certainly an aftermarket one. And doesn’t have the same number … It won’t fit.
 
Genuine ones are only available second hand.I am assured by the supplier it is the correct aftermarket part for my car, I have seen the same part fitted on a YouTube video.
I am just unsure if I need to rotate the airbag connection clockwise or anti-clockwise into the 12 o'clock position in order to fit it.
 
Genuine ones are only available second hand.I am assured by the supplier it is the correct aftermarket part for my car, I have seen the same part fitted on a YouTube video.
I am just unsure if I need to rotate the airbag connection clockwise or anti-clockwise into the 12 o'clock position in order to fit it.
The clock spring rotary section should be set at its mid point. If it's not set at the mid point, then you'll need to centre it yourself. They will generally rotate about 2 turns in each direction before the coils inside began to bind. If it binds then stop rotating it, or it'll break the fine wires inside.
Normally new clock springs (rotary coupler) are supplied locked in the mid point. To fit them, you need to rotate the steering to the mid point, so then the internal wires aren't stressed in normal steering operation.
 
Cheers Nodge, it rotates 3 times one way and 2 and a half the other way. Steering is centred, so I'll fit it and let you know how I get on. Fingers crossed.
 
Well, it's fitted but the SRS light is still on. I've previously checked the connections on the seat belt pre-tensioners and all seemed good. Anywhere else I should be looking?
If the rotary coupler was faulty, will I need to clear the codes?
My problem here in rural Spain is that the nearest place to read the codes is a 2 hour drive away!
 
Well, it's fitted but the SRS light is still on. I've previously checked the connections on the seat belt pre-tensioners and all seemed good. Anywhere else I should be looking?
If the rotary coupler was faulty, will I need to clear the codes?
My problem here in rural Spain is that the nearest place to read the codes is a 2 hour drive away!
If the SRS light was on because of a faulty clock spring, then it'll remain on once it's replaced. A suitable diagnostic unit is required to clear SRS codes.
 
No, I didn't have the codes read. I checked the seat belt pre-tensioner connections as I understand they can cause problems but they seemed fine. As I was placing an order for some other bits, I thought I would risk 40 quid on a clock spring at the same time. It's not easy to find someone who can read the airbag codes where I am in rural Spain!
 
No, I didn't have the codes read. I checked the seat belt pre-tensioner connections as I understand they can cause problems but they seemed fine. As I was placing an order for some other bits, I thought I would risk 40 quid on a clock spring at the same time. It's not easy to find someone who can read the airbag codes where I am in rural Spain!
If you're going to be keeping the Freelander for a decent amount of time, then invest in a code reader for it.
The Icarsoft i930 is a pretty good price and capable of reading most modules in the vehicle.
 
I wish you'd given me that advice 13 years ago, when I bought it! 🤣
Might have to keep it a while longer, so may be worth investing in a code reader.
 
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