Your Nissan Maxima keeps a constant electrical connection to the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), or airbag, and the horn through a clockspring. Even while the steering wheel turns, the clockspring provides a steady connection that ensures proper deployment of the airbag and reliable use of the horn. Replacement of a faulty clockspring can improve the reliability of the SRS in your Nissan Maxima.
Point the wheels of your Nissan Maxima straight ahead before you replace the clockspring. Keep the steering wheel right side up and in its level position.
Disconnect both battery cables of your Nissan Maxima, starting with the negative cable. Tape over the battery terminals to ensure that the cables make no contact with the terminals throughout the replacement process. Allow the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to discharge for at least ten minutes before you start the repair.
Take off the lid at the bottom of the steering wheel and disconnect the connection to the airbag. Open the lids at each side of the steering wheel and take out the bolts attaching the airbag to the steering wheel. Remove the airbag unit from the steering wheel of your Nissan Maxima.
Detach the connector for the horn of your Nissan Maxima and take out the nuts. Mark the steering wheel and the steering shaft for proper replacement later.
Undo the nut holding the steering wheel onto the steering column, and pull the steering wheel free with a steering wheel puller tool. Use model number ST27180001, or a comparable puller tool.
Separate the clockspring from its electrical connection and remove the screws holding the clockspring in place. Replace the clockspring with a new mechanism and ensure proper alignment for your particular Nissan Maxima model.
Reinstall all steering wheel components and the airbag unit in reverse order. Reattach the positive and negative battery cables.
