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Non functioning horn
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 3:49 pm
by jagnut66
Hi,
I have a recurring problem, which I think might be quite common, in that the copper contact for the horn push (on the indicator stalk base) wears down with the turning of the steering column to the point where the horn no longer works. I have had this problem twice now, the last time I bought a new indicator stalk and with the fresh (full thickness) copper contact and the horn worked well again. Until now when, once more, the contact has worn down.
I could fit a more modern indicator / horn push stalk but I quite like the original set up with the horn push in the centre of the steering wheel.
I could drill out the contact and replace it with something else but what though, that wouldn't impede the turning of the steering column?
Any thoughts or previous solutions?
Many thanks,
Mike.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:16 pm
by simmitc
Sorry, I've never heard of that contact wearing that far
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 7:53 pm
by mike.perry
I have a groove around the copper contact ring on the steering column on my Series MM, horn still works though
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:33 pm
by jagnut66
Hi,
Thought I would add some pictures to clarify what is happening.
The steering column was wobbling but I cured that by moving the felt pad round (incidentally I've acquired some replacement felt pads, should I need them, for the Minor's steering column quite reasonably priced off eBay).
The next thing I shall be buying is a new indicator stalk I guess.
Any thoughts / comments are welcome.
See below:
Regards,
Mike.[frame]
[/frame]
P.S. When the steering wheel is straight / at rest where should that little nut / knob be (clock positions ie: 3 o'clock / 9 o'clock etc.), that is at present facing the floor (6 o'clock), I believe it is there to automatically disengage the indicator. Many thanks.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 9:29 pm
by jagnut66
Hi,
Hopefully I've found a solution. It involves removing one half of the brass fuse holder from a plug and adapting it with a hacksaw, small hammer and file.
Firstly, of course, I drilled out the remnants of my well worn copper contact. I then screwed this in place using a couple of small washers to pack it out and stop the screw pulling through. The part where the wire used to be screwed in place needed squashing a little flatter for the cover to fit back over but once the final adaptions had been made I had a working horn again.
Hopefully the brass will not wear through like the old copper contact did. (Perhaps today's modern copper is not as good quality as the original?)
Best wishes,
Mike.
NB: As soon as I can figure out why the picture won't download I will add it.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 9:53 pm
by moggiethouable
When my horn last malfunctioned it turned out that coincidentally the courtesy light also failed.
Turned out it was the fuse holder for both items, the sprung contacts just needed a little finger and thumb compression to grab the fuse a little tighter.Hope after all this it aint that.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 10:07 pm
by jagnut66
Hi,
No, I renewed my fuse holder a while back and my courtesy light works, although I could do with renewing the switches in the 'A' posts at some point, though that's just age related wear and tear.
Best wishes,
Mike.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 11:01 pm
by bmcecosse
Does the plug still work ok with half the fuse holder missing?
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 11:18 pm
by jagnut66
Does the plug still work ok with half the fuse holder missing?
Sorry, you've lost me? Which plug?
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 11:21 pm
by jagnut66
Doh!
Electrical plug!
Unfortunately, as you can tell, I was silly enough to cannibalise the plug which powers my brain cells!! 
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 1:50 pm
by bmcecosse
Hahahaha
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 4:25 pm
by jagnut66
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Hi,
This is the trial fit prior to final adjustments (making it flatter).....
As soon as I next have to remove the cover I'll post a shot of the final fit.
Best wishes,
Mike.
Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 7:57 pm
by jagnut66
Hi,
This is how it now looks. I used some 'TruLoc' on the thread, so hopefully it wont move round when I'm turning the steering wheel. Anyway it's now all back together and I now have a working horn. Time will tell................
Best wishes,
Mike.
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Re: Non functioning horn
Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 8:33 pm
by bmcecosse
Well done !