This module was sent by George of Junk From Work:-
https://www.youtube.com/user/knifecrazycreator
At first I thought it was just a clock spring module from a steering wheel, but it does contain wheel movement sensing circuitry.
A clock spring mechanism is used to transfer power and signals for things like controls, the horn and airbag from the vehicle to the steering wheel. That means it has to deal with multiple rotations. I always wondered what was inside them.
The fact I even knew what this thing was called or the method of operation is largely due to the subliminal education I've received while relaxing with Eric O's channel - South Main Auto:-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAGzm9e_liY7ko1PBhzTHA
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.

17 thoughts on “Inside a car clock-spring module steering wheel wiring interface”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roadsurfer2k11 says:

    And this is why I told my dad I prefer working on my motorcycle. Four bolts and 3 hoses drops the motor in 20 minutes

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andy lebbon says:

    Biggest regret selling my Old Ford pinto sierra last of home service 😢

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars psirvent8 says:

    For quite some time I assumed they used slip rings as well and didn't even know about such thing as a "clock spring" for a steering wheel.
    A year or two ago I learned about it online and even found pictures of the inside of clock springs but it's only now that I come accross this video.
    However I still don't know how this part is called in French. And as expected Google Translate isn't of much help as it will translate "clock spring" to "ressort d'horlogerie" which means… well… the metal spring in mechanical clocks that you have to wind up with a key.
    Definitely not the part between the steering wheel and the steering column of modern cars.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Strydom says:

    Why aren't they using a sliprihg? surely that's simpler.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Nguyen says:

    I always wonder how So it's actually direct wire connected by all those ribbons. The ribbons is long enough to turn completely left or right and the reason for the grease. Now i know. Luckily I found this video, else I have to buy a new one for my car (my curiosity). Thank you so much.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Saddam Malima says:

    All I want ask is can one add a ribbon wire to kinda make steering wheel control for a car without (obviously older model car)

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cheffywest says:

    Have you done a video on the maple syrup yet ??😲

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rýán Túçk says:

    "scythemaine auto" No matter how much I try I'll always play second fiddle to the shenanigans of YT's straightman AI.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Rocheville says:

    The magnetic sensors monitor what's north. As north rotates movement is detected. You use two for direction and have to set the zero point on the car.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ~mind over matter~ says:

    Wow this is crazy my mom gave me one of these to help fix her car because I'm dabbling into Electronics now. Now I'm not qualified by any means but I have a really good understanding of electricity and repairing and making my own circuits. This video helps out a lot

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars moomin110 says:

    i had one of these causing an intermittant fault in a Nissan X-Trail. Sometimes the buttons on the steering wheel would not work depending on what position the steering wheel was in. To mitigate this i tried to turn the clockspring one turn either way so it would be in a portion where all the functionality would work. Unfortunately there wasn't enough play and the clockspring ribbons snapped inside causing the cars electronic stability to be disabled. This also caused the reversing camera lines to be allover the place. Cost me £500 for a replacement but i think it needed one anyway. They are pretty impressively complex after watching this video. thanks!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dhaen says:

    What a convoluted way to get signals across a rotating part. I would have thought concentric rotary transformers, as used in videotape head drums, would be simpler. And yes, you could supply the tiny amount of power needed for the encoding circuitry via one of these concentric transformer rings.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Watkins says:

    I don't buy car parts from Ebay in the USA I get my car parts from Rock Auto

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kaikart says:

    FYI that hall effect sensor do sense the angle of magnetic field by the strength of the moving poles. You can try this with 2D or 3D hall effect sensors like MLX90380 or MLX90395.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kj16V says:

    Imagine lending Clive your car and it comes back in several small caardboard boxes with wires sticking out.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sod Almighty says:

    Clive, I reckon there are two hall-effect sensors because otherwise it would be unable to differentiate between a clockwise and an anticlockwise turn. It's the same principle as a rotary encoder.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Kasler says:

    I like South main auto too do you like louis Rossman too

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