VEMO Clock Spring airbag
OE Quality instead of risk
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Airbag warning light on? Horn not working? Steering wheel buttons dead? If the airbag clock spring goes on strike, it can be really unpleasant and, in case of doubt, even life-threatening. As the invisible link between the airbag, horn and steering wheel controls, the clock spring plays a key role in your safety.
But don’t worry: with the right repair solution from VEMO, you have the problem under control. It is reliable, practical and very easy to install. Our VEMO clock spring is not just any spare part, but a genuine safety component in OEM quality. It has been tested and developed with the same care that is used in original equipment.
Find out why you shouldn’t compromise on the clock spring. We show you how to recognise a defect reliably and why the VEMO clock spring with its outstanding OE quality is the right choice for greater safety and reliability.
What is an airbag clock spring and why is it so relevant to safety?
The airbag clock spring, also known as the slip ring or contact spiral, is a real all-rounder and the invisible backbone of many functions in the steering wheel. It ensures that electrical signals are transmitted between the steering wheel and the control units, no matter how often and how hard the steering wheel is turned. Nothing works without it: the airbag, horn, cruise control, shift paddles and multifunction buttons are all directly dependent on it.
What makes this component so extraordinary is that it works under constant load, is constantly moving and at the same time fulfils the highest safety requirements in confined spaces. As soon as it fails, things become critical. Because the airbag in particular must not fail under any circumstances.
Causes of a defective clock spring
These are the most common causes of airbag clock spring failures:
❌ Wear: Constant steering puts mechanical stress on the clock spring. Over time, the conductor tracks wear out, which means that interruptions are inevitable.
❌ Corrosion: Moisture, salt and the like attack the contacts. The result? Poor conductivity – and in the worst case scenario, total failure of the airbag function.
❌ Vibrations and shocks: Uneven roads and hard knocks are hard on the sensitive mechanism. This can loosen or even destroy the clock spring.
❌ Installation error: Incorrect installation? Devastating! Even small errors during installation can lead to serious faults.
❌ Extreme temperatures: Hot, cold, hot again: Temperature fluctuations cause plastic parts to age and can lead to stresses or cracks in the clock spring.
In short: if the winding spring snags, trouble is inevitable. Without the right repair solution, the airbag could be out of action in the worst case. A disastrous decision when things get serious.
Symptoms of a defective clock spring
The symptoms of a defective clock spring are not only annoying, but can also be extremely dangerous – especially if you ignore them or take them lightly. So watch out for these warning signs:
⚠️ Is the airbag indicator light permanently illuminated? This is no coincidence, as it may mean that the airbag will not deploy in an emergency.
⚠️ Horn not working? Sounds harmless, but is often a clear sign of a problem in the slip ring.
⚠️ Total failure on the steering wheel? If steering wheel buttons, shift paddles or cruise control no longer respond, this is usually due to a loss of signal caused by a defective clock spring.
⚠️ Cracking noises when steering? Such mechanical noises can indicate internal damage to the clock spring.
⚠️ Does the steering wheel feel stiff or uneven? In some cases, a damaged clock spring can also affect the steering feel. This should not be taken lightly.
Why cheap clock spring alternatives are risky – a technical analysis
An airbag clock spring is not a part you should skimp on. That sounds trite, but it’s the bitter reality. Many cheap products look like the original at first glance.
But we wanted to find out for sure: We subjected test articles from the market to a precise, detailed technical analysis. The result is clear and unfortunately frightening. The investigation revealed massive defects: from soft copper in the pins to missing components on the circuit board. Clearly, the wrong corners are being cut, which in some cases has devastating consequences for safety, function and longevity.
❌ Electrical connections inadequate
The cables were not fixed, which increases the risk of loose contacts and a significantly shorter service life. Alignment pins, which are standard in the OE design, were also missing.
❌ Pin quality to fear
The products tested used significantly softer copper wire, which made the electrical connections more susceptible to failure. The stamping quality was abysmal: there were visible burrs and the processing was imprecise. There was also a lack of professional coating, such as gold or tin plating.
❌ Plastic without power
In short: cheap plastic was used that deforms easily. In critical areas, components made of non-resistant material were even used. The centring of the centre hole was inaccurate, which is a clear indication of a poor fit.
❌ Dangerously underestimated: the components inside
The number of flexible support wheels deviated from the OE standard. In addition, no high-quality lubricant was used, which not only affects the feel, but also the function in the long term.
❌ PCB board with real defects
A real shock: among other things, missing or poorly soldered solder joints, inferior diodes and chips and, in one case, even a missing cogwheel were discovered. The use of such inferior parts can not only impair the function of the airbag system, but in the worst case can also jeopardise lives.
❌ Loud, louder, cheap part
The cheap clock spring tested was +7.4 dB louder when turning in. To categorise: +10 dB is already considered twice as loud. This is not only unpleasant, but also indicates poor workmanship.
What looks like a bargain turns out to be a safety nightmare. If you rely on these parts, you risk malfunctions, complaints and, in the worst case, the failure of the airbag in an emergency. With the VEMO clock spring, you are on the safe side: technically tested, cleverly designed and uncompromisingly reliable.
VEMO airbag winder – quality that protects!
When it comes to safety, there can be no compromises – especially when it comes to airbags. The VEMO wrap spring is the reliable solution for all those who prioritise quality, accuracy of fit and durability. No guesswork, no risk, just a real recipe for success for your workshop.
✅ Tested OE quality
VEMO clock springs fulfil the highest standards – and not just on paper. They are tested under real-life conditions, tested in practice at the VIEROL Academy and installed thousands of times by professionals worldwide.
✅ Manufactured with attention to detail
Stable pins, exact punching and precise solder joints with secure cable alignment. These clock springs deliver what they promise – permanently.
✅ Perfect fit
Thanks to exact centre hole centring and precise processing, installation is child’s play without the need for readjustment or improvisation.
✅ Whisper-quiet mechanism
The flexible bearings and high-quality lubrication ensure a smooth steering feel without annoying noises – unlike many cheap models.
✅ Reliable electronics
Complete, cleanly soldered circuit boards, powerful chips and all the necessary components on board. No failures, no excuses, simply top class.
With the VEMO clock spring, you not only offer your customers a spare part, but also a piece of security. A sustainable solution that you can blindly rely on. Discover the complete VEMO clock spring range here.
Replacing the clock spring – how it works!
Would you like to know what the removal and installation of a clock spring looks like in practice? In our video, we show you step by step how to replace a clock spring on the VW Tiguan. There are also real workshop insights, information on common sources of faults and a look inside a defective VEMO clock spring.
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