OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi Steering Wheel Clock Spring
1K0-959-653-C is an original steering wheel slip-ring/clock-spring assembly. Its internal flexible electrical connection allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining the assigned electrical circuits between the wheel and steering-column wiring. The original clock spring design and connector configuration must match the vehicle. Different assemblies can be used within the same model-year range, so this part should be selected by the original OEM number and installed steering electronics rather than vehicle name alone.
Technical details
- OEM number: 1K0-959-653-C / 1K0959653C.
- Component: Steering wheel slip ring and clock spring assembly.
- Original design: Volkswagen's manufacturer records identify the Kostal design for the confirmed applications below.
- Fitment criteria: Original clock spring number, steering-column electronics and mating connector configuration.
- Centering: The original product photograph shows a centering restraint and a label instructing that its preset center position must be maintained.
- Supply: One clock spring assembly. The airbag module, steering wheel and separate control modules are not included.
Common reasons to replace
An internal connection fault can cause intermittent operation or diagnostic faults in the circuits routed through the clock spring. Depending on the vehicle's wiring, symptoms can include loss of horn or steering-wheel control operation and an illuminated restraint-system warning lamp. Damage to the connectors or housing, an internal ribbon that has been overextended, or an assembly rotated away from its required centered position can also require replacement. Diagnose the affected circuits before ordering: wiring faults, a defective control module or damage elsewhere in the steering wheel assembly can cause similar symptoms. A new clock spring will not correct an unrelated electrical fault.
Installation and service notes
Follow the vehicle-specific steering-wheel and supplemental-restraint service procedure, including electrical isolation and the required waiting period before disassembly. Keep the road wheels and steering wheel in the prescribed straight-ahead position, preserve the clock spring's center setting and retain its centering restraint until the repair instructions call for release. Do not spin an uninstalled assembly or force it beyond its travel. Confirm the mating connectors and installed steering electronics before fitting the part. Complete any required initialization, steering-angle basic settings, fault-code checks and functional tests after installation. Use the original repair instructions for these operations because the requirements vary with the installed system.
Vehicle fitment
The model-year profiles below are confirmed for the original 1K0959653C design. Each is conditional on the vehicle having the matching original steering-column and clock spring configuration; these year ranges are not a blanket assignment to every trim or electrical variant.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf | 2010–2014 | Match installed vehicle; fitment determined by steering electronics | Original Kostal clock spring configuration; Match installed steering-column electronics and original connectors | Only vehicles originally specifying 1K0959653C; year/model alone does not distinguish alternate clock spring designs. Confirm VIN, connectors and installed steering electronics. |
| Volkswagen Eos | 2010–2011 | Match installed vehicle; fitment determined by steering electronics | Original Kostal clock spring configuration; Match installed steering-column electronics and original connectors | Only vehicles originally specifying 1K0959653C; year/model alone does not distinguish alternate clock spring designs. Confirm VIN, connectors and installed steering electronics. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2010 | Match installed vehicle; fitment determined by steering electronics | Original Kostal clock spring configuration; Match installed steering-column electronics and original connectors | Only vehicles originally specifying 1K0959653C; year/model alone does not distinguish alternate clock spring designs. Confirm VIN, connectors and installed steering electronics. |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 2010–2011 | Match installed vehicle; fitment determined by steering electronics | Original Kostal clock spring configuration; Match installed steering-column electronics and original connectors | Only vehicles originally specifying 1K0959653C; year/model alone does not distinguish alternate clock spring designs. Confirm VIN, connectors and installed steering electronics. |
Confirm 1K0959653C, original connector arrangement and steering-electronics configuration by VIN before ordering.