Problem with horn, how to replace this bit

[Mux213]

Hey All,

Searched on this but couldn't find something that gave me the info I need so hope someone is willing to shed some light on the subject or has some suggestions.

My horn isn't working properly. At first I thought the previous owner installed an incorrect boss for an aftermarket steering wheel causing it not to go low enough over the tapered end but the stock wheel I have now suffers from the same issue.

The contact (I have no idea what it is called, but its on a spring so it can be pressed in somewhat) that touches the ring on the bottom of the steering wheel doesn't reach high enough. Inspecting it more closely it almost looks like the top bit has broken off.

Is this something that I can replace easily or do I need to take half the steering column apart? Or am I missing something obvious like is there a way to adjust it so it comes up higher?

[RA35GT]

If its on a spring thing, you could just try pulling it out slightly?

[Mux213]

If its on a spring thing, you could just try pulling it out slightly?

Already did but obviously when the steeringwheel is off, it's already pushed outwards as far as possible thanks to the spring.

Ta,

Bas

[RA35GT]

I mean pulling it out until the spring deforms and stays further out.

[airfireman1]

The tip of that part that contacts the horn ring can be made longer.
I have done this with 2 different methods.
1. Use solder and build up the end of the contactor bit that contacts the ring.
2. Use silver solder and build up the end of the contactor as above
You can make it as long as you like it is just a matter of test fitting it a couple of times.
Just make sure the contact ring is clean and apply some grease to it prior to final installation
Both methods have been very successfull gut i would tend towards the silver solder as is has better wear properties than solder

[Mux213]

@7M,

Hmm could try that but I think it is already at its maximum extension, the spring should still exert some force to ensure good contact with the steering wheel.

@airfireman,

Good to hear that would work. Its been ages since I've used solder, time to brush up some old skills

[RA35GT]

ah much ghey.

we have used normal solder previously, but it didnt last that long.

If you do it, stick with airfiremans suggestion of the silver solder.

[madmont]

I made a brass cap to go over mine when it wore away, no need to solder

[ra_28]

I've used the end of a ball point pen in the corona about 15 yrs ago and it's still working.

Has a nice ball to roll on.

Cheers
Alex

[Mr Revhead]

pretty cheap from toyota (well, is here)
you will be astounded at the size of the new on compared to the old one! lol
Unfortunately it's been a while since I have done one so can't remember exactly how....
which also means it was so damn easy it didn't stick in my head....
so pull the wheel off at get stuck in!
but first make sure your wheel is straight, and steering lock on, so you get the wheel back on in the right place!

[hosking1991]

LOL On my ra40 i wrapped a bit of foil around it and worked fine haha

["Z" UTE]

Uhmm, guys a quick way to repair this, if you can not replace the contact, is to space the contact ring down towards that spring loaded contact. A couple of small washers at each screw point is sufficient.

cheers Chuck.

[Mux213]

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the long wait on some feedback on this. Downside of not having my own workspace and two kids at home is that I only sporadically work on my car.

I ended up taking the wheel off again and taking all the plastic bits off to see what was going on properly and there was indeed a huge gap (couple of mm) preventing contact.
The soldering option would have worked, the spacer option wouldn't, the ring for this steering wheel isn't screwed on but clipped on so no room to put spacers underneath.

I was out at Rollaboy who was doing some brake work for me and luckily he had another unit lying around. Should have taken pictures sorry for that. Anyway, once the steering wheel is off and you've undid the plastic cover bits it's all easy going. Four bolts hold the wiper and indicator controls assembly on which the horn contact is also mounted and it comes off easily. I just replaced it with the 2nd hand unit and all has been fine since.

Horn is working fine again (and sounds terrible... another project...)