How to Remove Clockspring 10-14 Subaru Outback

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@jimbernard8964]

Just did mine. This video was a HUGE help. My 2015 Impreza has paddle shifters and the screws that hold those in place are just inside those side access holes and look like what you are going for but they are not. The trick for me was to take the plastic column shrouds off first. You can get at the two phillips head screws with the wheel still on by turning the wheel 90 degrees right then left. With the plastic off, using a small inspection mirror I could see the spring clip and easily get to it with a small 45 degree pick. That did the trick. Everything else is really easy. It is mind blowing how much money a dealer will charge for this. Anyway, thanks for this vid.

[@kari-karislinedancing6146]

Thank you SOOOOO much! This is an amazing video, so well done, and it saved me at least $300 in labor for this work on my 20215 Outback. Absolutely the hardest part was releasing the clips that hold on the horn pad - it literally took me over 1.5 hours and I only got it through trial and by fluke as it is impossible to see what is happening in there and impossible to even feel for it. It was so frustrating to me and it took so long that I decided to create my own video for tips on what I ultimately did and learned from the experience. Note that I only learned how to do it after I could see what was really happening inside and still had to play with things to figure out what approach would be best. I will hope to post my video soon to help others. I will call it something like "How to Release the 3 Clips for the Horn Pad of a Subaru Outback to Fix the Clock Spring" but my tip to those now reading this is to not bother using a hooked pick for the job. I think it makes it more difficult. Just use a relatively small flathead screwdriver and remember that with the steering wheel in a straight position you will need to push each rod inward toward the center of the whole horn pad i.e. push the left (9:00) hole rod toward 3:00. Push the 3:00 rod toward 9:00, and push the bottom hole's rod toward 12:00. Also, as this video was made for 2010-2014 models, that doesn't matter. All is still the same so it will work e.g. my Outback is a 2015. Also, it does not matter if you have paddles on your wheel (as I do); you don't have to remove those. They are not in the way of the clip holes, even though you may question that when you are struggling to release the clips. Also, some asked about the grease that came with the clock spring unit as it wasn't addressed in this video. I noticed where there was grease when I pulled out the old clock spring unit i.e. around the "donut" section in the middle. I would suggest just adding a little more grease there. Well, again, thank you soooo much for this fantastic video. I definitely would not have been able to do this job - and save all that money - if you hadn't created such a thorough explanation of it all. Thank you immensely for your excellent work!!!! Now just hoping I can find one you created to replace my high beam light 🤞🏼

[@junhugo1117]

hi there do you have that video put up. really hard to release those clips :)

[@randalosgood]

This video is gold! Rather than paying the $350 my(former) mechanic quoted me for this job, it cost me a bit over a hundred for the clockspring, and $30 for a boroscope so I could actually see what I was doing to release airbag and horn assembly. That was the only hard part of the job!-) Thank you so much Len!

[@luigioppido1460]

I usually don’t comment on KZbin videos, but your video was so well done, so simply explained with tools and tool sizes, I was able to watch twice and perform the job flawlessly first go. Thank you for your upfront no nonsense video. Thank you for your expertise. Thank you for your time.

[@MJ200011]

Fantastic video, my son and I as complete novices removed and replaced the clock spring carefully following your perfect steps, we did reconnect the battery to unlock the steering wheel to get better access to release holes in the steering wheel too.Thank you so much, it saved us $400 labour charge at the Subaru dealer.

[@1AAuto]

+Matt Skinner Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@thebuilders2807]

Hi. Do you need to calibrate it?

[@timfoote6919]

@@thebuilders2807 no that's why he used a sharpie to mark where the steering wheel/column was aligned.

[@jordanashby8026]

Thanks for the video, pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Managed to fix my horn. Removing the steering wheel is the hardest part. To anyone else watching this if you have an automatic with paddle shifters you have to unscrew the shifters behind the steering wheel to be able to reach the levers. I used a mirror and a small Phillips screwdriver, have some kind of magnet ready to grab onto the screws.

[@ryaneggemeyer6541]

Do I have to put the paddle shifters back on? I hate this things

[@tylerford2354]

This is incorrect. You do not need to remove the paddle shifters to undo the horn pad. I just did this repair. Also, see this video for tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3u6lnmOipWrl68

[@garyjay1774]

As Utube vids go, this is one of the best demonstrations of how to make an accurate and complete set of instructions suitable for any level of user competency. Great work, thanks........ But as usual there is the knob (below) who needs to make a vacuous comment.

[@Willyamsii]

Thanks so much for the video! Got my horn working again on my 2013 crosstrek. Same exact process. As others have said getting the levers that hold the horn pad was the hardest part. Took me about a half hour but I was able to bend the plastic behind the wheel without messing it up to see where the levers were. The left side was hardest. Bottom is easiest. Everything else very straight forward. Saved me about 430$ from going to the subie dealership

[@myl88]

My import needed more than a shake and a loving bump. Instructions you gave saved me a ton. You've got a fan for life.

[@Missinaibi1]

I did it! thanks for the step by step. Getting that horn pad off was a beast but the rest was straightforward!

[@1AAuto]

+Emilia Deimezis Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Nope145]

Followed the procedure in the video on my Subaru Forrester. Worked like a charm. Thank you for making this video. It’s saved me 280 bucks.

[@1AAuto]

+Jimmy D. Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@brianrosa8521]

Fantastic walk through. Just did this on my 2014 Outback. Got the clockspring relatively cheap online (WAY cheaper than the thieving dealer) and completed this in no time. Hardest part was getting the horn/airbag off with those springs! TY!!!

[@nickthakyd]

Excellent step by step video, did this on my 2015 WRX yesterday and it was the exact same. Glad the horn works now!

[@1AAuto]

+nick bronson Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@NM-ld4xg]

The best step by step video I ever watched in KZbin Thank u bro

[@shadetree]

Great video. Saved me hundreds of dollars and the steps were the same for my 2016 Forrester. I was able to complete the job in just over 30 minutes though it helped that I watched the video (ands couple others) more than once before trying! My horn works again too! My one tip is to release the bottom clip of the horn pad first. It’s easy to see the clip and pop it out. Once popped you can sort of see behind the horn pad with a flashlight to help find the position to ride the other horn pad clips. Thanks again!

[@mohamedhaniffa4452]

Thanks buddy just replaced the clockspring of my son's 2013 Outback. followed your video and instructions and did the job successfully. Thanks again

[@kingriverkiwi]

Thank you , just followed every step of your video and managed to replace my clock spring 🙏👍

[@davethetechguy4885]

When you remove the steering wheel nut but before you remove the steering wheel, make marks on the shaft and the wheel. I simply scored the threaded shaft with my pick (the one I used to pop the airbag assembly off and used a fine tip sharpie (or equiv) to make a corresponding mark on the steering wheel assembly. If you have paddle shifters, don't worry about the connector, it stays with the steering wheel.

[@jessalexander8638]

This was amazing, just replaced mine and this gave me the confidence to do it myself!

[@nickthakyd]

Best tutorial for the clock spring replacement, thank you sir

[@jairofernando7231]

Excelente amigo. El único vídeo de todo KZbin que realmente enseña el paso a paso de como cambiar esa cinta del Airbag. Mil gracias. Bendiciones.

[@samrawlins7111]

Thank you, super helpful walkthrough, I was able to fix my horn!

[@matt962671]

Did this job, and my ABS, Traction control and hill hold lights were all on. The problem was that the steering angle sensor became rotated 360deg off. I took it to an alignment shop to get this diagnosis. I removed everything again, separated the clockspring and steering angle sensor and rotated the steering angle sensor. Keep in mind the you may need a someone with a diagnostic tool to tell you which direction you'll need rotate the sensor. Mine was showing negative 360deg, so I rotated it Counter Clockwise if I remeber correctly. After reassembling everything, the lights may still be on. You can get it reset at an alignment shop (steering angle rezeroed or recalibrated). My lights went off under some very hard braking in which the brakes locked up for a split second, and then ABS came back with the systems returning to normal. Worth a try before getting it reset at a shop.

[@mickf3787]

Thanks...and a question...I appreciated this video very much also!! Like everyone else, had a heck of a time releasing the airbag section. Only question I have is regarding fitting the steering wheel on the shaft. The bushing in the steering wheel and the shaft are both toothed/ribbed. It seemed like the wheel only wanted to seat half way on the bushing (seemed to be the same way before removing it) Cleaned both sides of ribbed surface (wheel and shaft) no burrs or any problems, just seems to only fit on half way. Nut tightened just fine with about 3 thread lengths showing. Watching your videos it seems to be the same way on the Outback you're working on. Just wanted to make sure that I didn't miss something. Worked to seat the steering wheel good before installing the nut. Car steers perfectly

[@JK-gv5qn]

Thanks for a great video. Lynn is a rock star. The sequential steps are well done. Most difficult part was getting airbag clips to release (quite difficult to see/find the tab ends) Follow his directions exactly, you're good.

[@1AAuto]

+John Kahle Thanks for checking us out and the feedback! 1AAuto.com

[@maximevandenborre5236]

Perfect video , clock spring changed on Subaru Forester 2014, same process !

[@jacobzepeda3930]

So get the horn and airbag out FIRST then make sure your steering wheel is straight and disconnecting the battery lol! But still so glad parts manufacturers are making repair vids!!

[@elijahkingori3261]

This is nothing but a great video. I am working on my 2014 subaru legacy and looks like will be a walk in the park with this instruction. Thanks alot

[@1AAuto]

+ELIJAH KINGORI Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@harveycole5636]

Great video. I couldn't find one for a 16 Legacy, but this was pretty close. I switched mine out today. One problem, after replacing everything, now my abs, break light and land detection lights are on.

[@doodledog4401]

Great video Len. I'm working up the nerve to attempt the same job on my '14 Forester XT. It's the turbo with the ~~useless shift paddles. Don't know if that will make a difference or not. Couple of questions: 1) why was the chime sounding when you unlocked the steering wheel? You'd already removed the -ve lead. 2) can you refer me to anywhere I can get a better look at detaching the horn pad clips. Most of your manipulations were not in frame. Just looking in the holes at mine I'm disoriented and not sure what I push/pull which way to undo the clips. Hopefully it'll be more intuitive when I get my paws on it. Keep up the great work.

[@jpholcombe]

Great video! One thing I'd recommend is after the battery has been disconnected like that, to re-train the idle... Otherwise the engine may not idle correctly.

[@a68576r]

Excellent video my dude! Gotta do this to my dad's '13 Outback this weekend. Feel very confident now! And I'm sure I will be revisiting this video during the process. Also, did not know this generation/body style came in a manual!

[@magna116]

"make sure wheel is straight then disconnect battery" then he proceeds to remove airbag after turning wheel while door chimes and instrument cluster warnings are flashing.

[@52jwmac]

that was gonna be my comment! Lol

[@svtirefire]

Lol

[@justinbrown1137]

Great video. Those pins were a pain in the ass for some reason, but this saved me $400.

[@andresrobles4987]

Works perfectly!! I recovered my horn!!

[@1AAuto]

+Andres Robles Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@TeKillaShot]

Great work on that veercle!

[@oldgeezerproductions]

I have spent hours, I mean HOURS trying to release the two side springs. The bottom spring releases easily and can be seen through its hole, but the side releases seem impossible. I finally was able to get the airbag module unlatched and once you know what tool to use and exactly where to place it, the job is quick and easy as shown. BUT, the video glosses over this part way too quickly and without proper instructions so that you may, like me, spend hours trying to get the airbag unlatched. First, you may get the bottom spring to unlatch with a screwdriver, but the sides ones will not release with a screwdriver and you must use a hook tool. I was only able to figure it out by using a borescope and visually finding the end of the springs so I knew where to probe. Orient the sharp end toward you after insertion and slide it along the metal ridge while remaining in contact with the metal and bingo it will immediately release. If you use the hook without knowing where to orient it or place it, you will spend hours fooling around. A screwdriver is too wide so don't use one and unless you hold the hook tool just right and slide it up just so, it won't unlatch. Once you have it figured out, you can do it in your sleep. By the way, Removing my steering wheel required a heavy duty puller and a lot of torque. It finally released with a loud SNAP and it, by no means, just shook off as shown. For all my trouble removing the airbag, I saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars and many hours of drive time and wait time at the dealer and, with the help of the video, I got the job done.

[@1AAuto]

+oldgeezerproductions Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@roadracer1584]

Thanks for the tips. My 2014 Outback failed annual state inspection because the horn didn't work. I replaced the clockspring and fixed the horn. Here are a few suggestions. 1. Removing airbag is not as easy as shown in video. Turn wheel to the right so bottom hole is to the left. Get a small flashlight and locate bottom clip. Use a screwdriver to depress clip and release bottom part of airbag. GENTLY pry up bottom of airbag and locate left and right clips. You need a pick for this part. Insert pick in the access hole and carefully wedge into small space between clip and airbag assembly. This should release one part of airbag. Repeat for other clip. 2. Mark steering wheel with a sharpie so you put it back in the right position. I didn't do this and put the steering wheel back in at a slight angle. I had to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right while driving to keep the car moving straight. I was off one tooth on the steering wheel spline. I hope this helps.

[@1AAuto]

+@roadracer1584 Thanks for the feedback!

[@eddiefio]

Great video. Recieved an oem replacement that came with a small tube of what I think is grease. I didn't see you use here, do know where it would be applied?

[@AirmanJack]

This is a great video, thank you for the detailed walkthrough and showing how to release the clips!

[@AirmanJack]

Interestingly, I have a 2010 OB but didn't have the clips, I had a pair of Torx screws holding on the airbag and horn assembly. Much easier to remove!

[@ijonny25251]

very well done! is the procedure the same for a 2016 Forester? thank you, Jeff

[@ericanjensen]

Super easy job. Thank you so much!

[@andrewtracy1245]

Great video man! Thanks a bunch

[@Mugen_FB317]

This helps a lot, thank you!

[@cruxinterfaces]

I've seen your other videos as well as this one, if you want to see other great 12 volt videos Thank you for the content

[@1AAuto]

+Crux Interfacing Solutions Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@bwilliams1815]

Great video. I replaced the clock spring on my 2021 Ascent. The angle sensor works correctly when I reverse and see the angle of the wheel in the screen. Now my buttons and horn in the steering wheel does not work. Do I need a computer to reset anything?

[@Karl-pm9hv]

Great video thank you I have a 2011 Outback in Australia and there are just one or two slight differences. Firstly to get the airbag/horn button off there is a hex screw requiring a 4mm allen key on either side of the steering column only. Very easy to get to and the screws are held onto the steering column bracket when undone from the airbag unit. Secondly, our airbags only have one plug going to them instead of two in this video plus the single horn wire on the spade connection. Everything else is pretty well as described. So I followed all the advice here and was super careful with everything. Powered up and voila! Everything now works as it should. Thanks again - I wouldn't have even considered trying it if I hadn't seen the vid.

[@1AAuto]

+Karl0010 Thanks for checking us out!

[@KEithCurtis-fx2kj]

excellent video, i had to use a Dremel to make the holes bigger to see what i was doing ...

[@BIack-Moon]

Question here if anyone knows. What is the grey wire for? And which one is the horn button/wire?

[@fihandmade]

What is the real Subaru part number for Forester 2013, SJ 2.0 D for this clock spring? I got one, but it has only one cable "yellow". Looking forward to find real one.

[@philipfreer9832]

Than You Thank You Out standing Step by Step Perfect

[@jeeshuamessengerful]

Is there any reason why the car is dinging with the battery disconnected?

[@timfoote6919]

um....the battery isnt disconnected...

[@patrikengstrom6228]

I need this part for my 2010 outback, cant find it on your website?

[@miguelmarban7985]

Hi, I apologize, I think mi previous post should be in this video, I put it in a wrong video. My subaru forester works horn only when I turn all left steering wheel, the issue could be the clock spring? I tried look for this part in your site, looks like it is not available (part number 83196FJ030)

[@mooch2u]

What was the problem or the car doing that led you to the Clockspring

[@littlerube8358]

To add a fog light switch does the clock spring have to get removed on a 2011 base model outback it has the plug in for fog lights ....

[@dougbeard4069]

Great video! However, a day after replacing this I got an "SRS Airbag System" warning light to come on. Any tips are appreciated!

[@georgehollingsworth6807]

I also got the warning light. Did you figure out how to fix it? Please let me know. Thanks

[@sidewaysonhighways]

The one shop I went to about the broken horn in my 2013’ Crosstrek, said that I would have to replace the entire airbag assembly and it would cost about $700.. Where there any changes between the 2013’ and later model years concerning the horn assembly? I did find independent clock spring assemblies for sale through Advanced Auto Parts. I have tried pressing the horn at different rotation points, and it does honk; just not in the 0 degree setting. So it is the clock spring.

[@kc-qv2kf]

there is a racall on the 2013 airbag dealer replace for free sounds like your shop was trying to double dip

[@billybarnett2859]

Is there a link to this part? I can't find it on your website

[@TeKillaShot]

THANK YOU SO MUCH😊

[@moflyboyblanquito541]

If you disconnected the negative battery terminal why is your door still chiming?

[@vladg4588]

Would this process be the same for a 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0? My horn has stopped working and I believe my clock spring is the issue.

[@mikewagner7496]

I just did this today on a 2012 Impreza. The process was the same, and this video is a great help. Thank you to Len and 1A for putting this together.

[@1AAuto]

+Mike Wagner Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@vladg4588]

1A Auto Parts Update: The process was pretty much identical on my Impreza and it fixed the horn issue. Thanks for the helpful content!

[@1AAuto]

+Mike Wagner Thanks for the great feedback!

[@RoyboyBean]

Will this fix the issue that no steering wheel controls are working, including the horn?

[@jaredmac11]

My only recommendation would be to get the bottom most spring when removing the wheel. Then you can pull up the horn button enough to see the left and right. Also, the steering wheel is very difficult to remove. I tried to just pull it loose and I ended up ripping the damn thing off, clock spring and all. Yikes.

[@1AAuto]

+Jared McAllister Thank you for the suggestions! 1aauto.com

[@BIack-Moon]

Which one is the horn button? Also that singular grey wire what is it for, do you know? Thanks

[@shadowzedge5793]

@@BIack-Moon That grey wire is for your horn circuit. As for where the horn button is it's actually integrated into the Airbag assembly. On the 3 posts that connect the airbag assembly to the steering wheel there are micro switches built into them and are non-serviceable.

[@jbur1995]

Ahh! Does anybody know where I can find the part? I can't seem to find this part for my 2010 outback available for sale. I need it bad. No airbags or horn. I don't plan on dieing in my Subaru on one of my crazy work commutes.

[@jeffbelkwell2113]

I would think there is a correct toque for the wheel

[@purdyboi8078]

Every comment I've seen on that says it's torqued to 29 ft/lbs. Hope that helps, good luck.

[@shoaibalichaudhary5675]

what if my alignment is off by a lot but i need to get this done. should i still center the steering wheel or center the wheels them self?

[@gonzalohernandez9882]

Hola amigo, el Subaru XV 2016 es el mismo procedimiento?

[@1AAuto]

+Gonzalo Hernandez We don't have a how-to video for your vehicle right now, but the basic steps in this video should be enough to do this task. Buy this part for your vehicle on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Karolmichta]

Will I have to code the steering angle sensor if I replaced that too?

[@andrewmaxwell2332]

The horn & roof light on my 2006 STI is not working. Can I replace the clock spring with a 2008 clock spring ?

[@Mugen_FB317]

Is it the same for the 2016 Subaru WRX?

[@Navillus2273]

Is this different for a 2015 outback?

[@alexdorascenzi]

I did it, horn works as it should, but i got airbag light on

[@marcopaicemastria7538]

Where can I find this spare part for my XV 2015 Italian version?

[@letsRegulateSociopaths]

quite a nice vid.

[@cymatic83]

Step 1: make sure the steering wheel is straight Step 2: make sure the steering wheel is straight Step 3: make sure the steering wheel is straight

[@guotingtang4905]

After i fitted the traction light on and handbrake light on? What i do know i took it for a drive it didnt go away.

[@jimbernard8964]

Thanks!

[@jhonphil2177]

Is the appearance of my 2011 forester steering wheel and clock spring the same as that on the video?

[@1AAuto]

+timmy sam We don't have a how-to video for your vehicle right now, but the basic steps in this video should be enough to do this task. Buy this part for your vehicle on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@brandonorr4143]

Why is this part no where??? Not on 1A, not on Subaru's website...

[@01ibrahim1]

i have going to replace my driver airbag and once i did that the horn never stopped honking?? do I have a bad clock spring or something

[@1AAuto]

+@01ibrahim1 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ug8903]

so keeping the wheel straight is not needed?

[@zekeraney1842]

Thank you Thankyou Thankyou

[@rarnette73]

If the battery has been disconnected, why are all the lights on in the cluster and the key ding is still going????

[@1AAuto]

+rarnette73 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Mine came with tube of something (maybe dielectric grease). Where does this go?

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Got it changed. Thanks for the help. Without knowing it was spring clips holding in I would have never got the airbag off. I appreciate the help and the parts.

[@brianko1]

What did you end up using the grease for? Got some with mine as well.

[@eddiefio]

I got the grease too. Did you figure out where to use it?

[@TeKillaShot]

Wait so you dont need to disconnect the battery?

[@TheMilchTube]

Why is the door open chime dinging if you disconnected the battery ? hmm

[@emiliog.4432]

You forgot the grease. Unless the OB doesn’t require it.

[@rufinovictores6926]

Hi! I need this part!

[@-FALKOR]

The garage by me want's $700 to do this.

[@rekonize007ify]

what is the recommend torque for that nut? does anyone know?

[@iancox8550]

29 ft-lb

[@thebuilders2807]

Hayro Sandoval 29lbs

[@timfoote6919]

German torque......Gudntight

[@AndersCarlson]

How long would this take a non-tech?

[@mikewagner7496]

I'm not a tech, and it took me under an hour.

[@nickthakyd]

As a non tech as well, I concur with mike.

[@timfoote6919]

um....YOU RULE!!!!

[@mart9898]

Your shop must be under a nuclear plant cause the key in ignition still beeps after disconnecting the battery.

[@dalemccord2129]

😅👍😜

[@johnosullivan6620]

Subaru does not call it a clock spring anyone have the part number and what Subaru calls it

[@1AAuto]

+John O'Sullivan Clockspring is the common name for this part. Different manufacturers may use different phrases, but an auto part store would be able to find one for you. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@dalemccord2129]

"STRGROLL CONNECT SET" "83196AJ04A"

[@ethandobbs6156]

Verical

[@fredharvey2720]

These parts are cheap shit as many of them go out, including in my 2016.

[@OHOWUNEEDIT]

If you disconnected the battery, why is the “door open” beeping?