Quick answer
Horn or cruise odd right after wheel-off service usually means the clock spring ribbon was over-spun or plugs were left loose - mark straight-ahead before removal, never freewheel the hub with the wheel off, and latch connectors fully.
Problem
- Clock spring carries horn, airbag, and often SWC signals through the column.
Symptoms
- Horn or cruise behaviour is odd after the wheel was removed for service.
- Reference marks on the clock spring no longer line up after turning the hub with the wheel off.
Cause
- Spinning the hub beyond the supplier rotation budget damages or misaligns the ribbon inside the clock spring.
Fix Step-by-step
- Park with wheels straight - Centre the rack; paint-pen or tape the hub-to-shaft relationship per OEM photos.
- Battery off, wait, then unplug SRS - Follow the manual’s discharge time before touching yellow connectors.
- Remove the wheel without shock-loading the column - Use a puller if specified; side shocks stress the ribbon.
- Lock rotation during service - Use the supplier lock pin or prescribed restraint. Common mistake: spinning the hub “for access” with the wheel off - that consumes ribbon travel.
- Reinstall on index marks - Clock-spring dots/tabs line up neutral; spline engages without forcing; horn slip ring centred before nut torque.
- Dress harness slack - Full lock L/R with engine off: no connector tug, no ribbon peel sound.
If alignment marks do not mate
- Stop - assume possible ribbon damage. A qualified SRS tech should inspect; do not guess extra turns.