Can a torsion spring be repaired?
Can a contact spring be repaired?
Yes, a defective contact spring can be repaired in many cases. The most common defect is a torn flat ribbon cable inside – this can be replaced by specialized repair shops. Repair is significantly cheaper than a new part and is possible for almost all makes and models.
The contact spring (also called a slip ring or airbag contact unit) provides the electrical connection between the fixed steering column and the rotating steering wheel. It transmits signals for the driver airbag, horn, cruise control, and multifunction buttons. Due to constant steering movements, the internal flat ribbon cable wears over time and eventually tears.
What exactly goes wrong with a contact spring?
In the vast majority of cases, the flat ribbon cable inside the contact spring tears. The thin, flexible cable winds and unwinds with every steering movement – after thousands of cycles, the material fatigues and breaks at one of the attachment points or at a bend.
| Defect type | Description | Repairable? |
|---|---|---|
| Cable break (flat ribbon) | Cable tears at attachment or bend point | Yes – replace cable |
| Cable torn from connector | Solder joint or crimp connection loosened | Yes – resolder/recrimp |
| Corrosion of conductor tracks | Moisture damages contact surfaces | Conditionally – depending on extent |
| Housing broken | Mechanical damage to plastic housing | No – replacement required |
| Steering angle sensor defective | Integrated sensor provides incorrect values | No – replacement required |
How is a contact spring repaired?
During repair, the contact spring is opened, the defective flat ribbon cable is removed and replaced with a new one. The electronics and coding remain unchanged. After reassembly, the contact spring functions like a new part – reputable shops provide a corresponding warranty.
- Removal: Contact spring is removed from the vehicle (workshop work)
- Diagnosis: Precise fault determination – cable break, corrosion, or mechanical damage
- Opening: Housing is opened professionally
- Cable replacement: Defective flat ribbon cable is replaced with a new one
- Contact inspection: All connections are tested for proper function
- Reassembly: Housing is closed, center position secured
- Function test: Electrical testing of all conductor tracks
- Installation: Workshop reinstalls the repaired contact spring
Important: Observe center position
After repair, the contact spring must be installed in the exact center position. The flat ribbon cable has a limited rotation range – if the center position is not maintained, the new cable can tear again immediately during steering. Professional repair shops mark the center position before opening.
Repair vs. new part: What makes sense?
Repairing a contact spring typically costs 50 to 60 percent less than a new part. Especially for vehicles with an integrated steering angle sensor, where new parts cost over 300 euros, repair is economically worthwhile. For simple contact springs without additional functions, a new part may be cheaper.
| Option | Cost (example VW/Audi) | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | 80 – 150 € | Cheaper, original coding preserved, quickly available |
| New part (basic) | 60 – 150 € | Guaranteed like new, for inexpensive models similar price |
| New part (with steering angle sensor) | 250 – 570 € | Like new, but must be coded/calibrated |
When is repair especially worthwhile?
- Expensive new part: For contact springs with integrated steering angle sensor (ESP sensor)
- Rare part number: If the new part is difficult to obtain or only available from the manufacturer
- Coding effort: A new part often requires recoding – repair does not
- Environmental aspect: Repairing instead of discarding conserves resources
Can you repair the contact spring yourself?
No, removal and installation of the contact spring is work on the airbag system and is subject to explosives law. Only workshops with appropriate expertise are permitted to perform this work. However, the actual repair of the flat ribbon cable can be performed by a specialized shop.
The correct procedure: The workshop removes the contact spring and sends it for repair (or the customer sends it themselves). After repair, the workshop reinstalls it professionally. This ensures safety and legal compliance.
Does Airbag24 repair contact springs?
No, Airbag24 does not offer contact spring repair. Our specialty is repairing airbag control units and selling simulators for seat occupancy mats. However, if your airbag warning light is on, the problem is not always the contact spring – often a defective airbag control unit is the cause.
- Airbag control unit repair: We repair defective airbag control units for all common makes and models
- Seat occupancy mat simulators: Suitable simulators for seat occupancy detection in our shop
- Consultation: Are you unsure whether the control unit or contact spring is defective? We'll help you with diagnosis
Frequently asked questions about contact spring repair
Here you'll find answers to the most important questions about contact spring repair.
How long does contact spring repair take?
The actual repair (replacing flat ribbon cable, testing) typically takes 1–2 business days at a specialized shop. Add to this the shipping time for transport and removal and installation at the workshop.
Can every defective contact spring be repaired?
Most defects (cable break, torn contacts) are repairable. Not repairable are mechanical housing damage or defective integrated sensors (e.g., steering angle sensor). In these cases, a new part is required.
Does everything work normally again after repair?
Yes, after professional repair, the airbag, horn, steering wheel buttons, and cruise control function perfectly again. The fault memory must be cleared after installation, then the airbag warning light will go out. Coding is not required for repair (unlike with a new part).
Is repair worthwhile for a very old contact spring?
In most cases yes – as long as only the flat ribbon cable is broken, the age doesn't matter for repair. The housing and mechanics of the contact spring practically don't wear out. Only if the plastic is already severely embrittled is a new part the better choice.