Why should the steering wheel be locked in straight-ahead before disconnecting the steering column from the steering gear?

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Locking the steering wheel straight ahead keeps the airbag clock spring and its electrical connections from being strained or damaged when you separate the steering column from the steering gear. The clock spring is a flat, wound ribbon that allows continuous electrical contact to the airbag and steering-wheel controls while the wheel turns. If the wheel is rotated during disassembly, the clock spring can over-wind, kink, or break its windings, leading to an inoperative airbag or erratic control signals. Keeping the wheel straight ensures the clock spring stays within its designed neutral range and prevents over-rotation. It also reduces binding when reassembling, but the primary reason is to protect the clock spring and its contacts. Misalignment of the steering gear or protection of the mount are not the main concerns here.