Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Adjustments

CLOCKSPRING CENTERING

The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only designed to rotate the same number of turns (about five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring indexes the clockspring tape to other steering components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction from the centered position, without damaging the clockspring tape.

However, if the clockspring is removed for service or if the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear, the clockspring tape can change position relative to the other steering components. The clockspring must then be re-centered following completion of the service or the clockspring tape may be damaged.

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped precentered and with a locking pin installed. This locking pin should not be removed until the clockspring has been installed on the steering column. If the locking pin is removed before the clockspring is installed on a steering column, the clockspring centering procedure must be performed.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering column.

Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

(3) Hold the clockspring case in one hand so that it is oriented as it would be when it is installed on the steering column (Fig. 16).

Fig. 16 Clockspring

1 - LOCKING PIN
2 - ROTOR FLATS
3 - CASE
4 - UPPER CLOCKSPRING WIRE HARNESSES (WIRES NOT SHOWN)
5 - ROTOR
6 - INDEX HOLE

(4) Use your other hand to rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its travel. Do not apply excessive torque.

(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise, until the rotor flats are horizontal. If the upper clockspring wire harnesses are not oriented towards the bottom of the clockspring, rotate the rotor another one-half turn in the counterclockwise direction.

(6) The clockspring is now centered. Lock the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering until it is reinstalled on the steering column. This can be done by inserting a stiff wire through the small index hole located at about the 11 o'clock position in the centered clockspring rotor and case. Bend the wire over after it has been inserted through the index hole to prevent it from falling out.

(7) The front wheels should still be in the straightahead position. Install the clockspring onto the steering column. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.