The airbag warning light on a friend's 2000 Sonata GLS has been
lighting up, and his mechanic says the code coming up is for the
clockspring.

How big a job is it to replace this? Bearing in mind of course that any
servicing of the air bag has to be done carefully, is this something
reasonable for the shade-tree mechanic to attempt? Is the part a
dealer-only item, and what's the cost?

 

I don't know whether you can obtain parts aftermarket, but it's a pretty
simple repair.

1. Disconnect battery. Do not begin work until battery has been
disconnected for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the air bag (two screws, I believe).
3. Center the steering wheel.
4. Remove the steering 22mm steering wheel nut and rock the steering
wheel from side to side until it comes off.
5. Remove the column covers.
6. Remove the clockspring (4 screws).
7. Reinstall in reverse.

 

I don't know whether you can obtain parts aftermarket, but it's a pretty
simple repair.

1. Disconnect battery. Do not begin work until battery has been
disconnected for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the air bag (two screws, I believe).
3. Center the steering wheel.
4. Remove the steering 22mm steering wheel nut and rock the steering
wheel from side to side until it comes off.
5. Remove the column covers.
6. Remove the clockspring (4 screws).
7. Reinstall in reverse.