The clockspring has two functions--the first is to active the air bag system and the second to transfer power for the horn. The air bag system needs to be deactivated to safely remove the air bag. Simple static electricity could deploy the air bag so necessary caution is warranted. The clock spring on a 2001 Ford F-150 truck should also be installed without unwinding the clockspring in any way. The clockspring must be installed just the way it comes out of the box or it will be rendered inoperable.
Lift the hood. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery, using a wrench. Allow 15 minutes before proceeding to allow the residual electrical charge to subside.
Remove the air bag bolt hole plugs from the back of the steering wheel. Remove the two screws in the back of the steering wheel, using the Torx bit driver. Lift the air bag up enough to detach the electrical connector to the air bag followed by the two horn connectors.
Lift the air bag away from the steering wheel keeping the air bag facing away in case of accidental deployment. Lay the air bag face down for safety.
Remove the large retaining nut on the steering shaft, using the appropriate socket and ratchet. Remove the small plastic horn wire tube by pushing it down, rotating it clockwise and lifting it out. Install the steering wheel puller and withdraw the steering wheel.
Apply masking tape to the top of the clockspring to keep it from unwinding. Remove the tilt steering lever by twisting it counterclockwise. Remove the top steering column cover. Remove the emergency brake handle by removing the two screws, using the appropriate socket.
Remove the six screws in the lower instrument panel cover, using a socket. Remove the steering column lower cover by removing the three screws. Extract the ignition key cylinder by inserting the scribe in the hole directly under the cylinder and pushing up on the release button and pulling the cylinder out.
Remove the passive anti-theft system by removing the two screws. Remove the key-in buzzer switch by pulling it out. Remove the electrical connectors to the clockspring. Using the small screwdriver, release the plastic retainers securing the clockspring. Lift the clockspring up and over the steering shaft. Replace the clockspring in reverse order of removal.
