Electrics query.......... BRIAN!?!?!?!?

[StuBeeDoo]

The horn contact on the back of the steering wheel ("slip-ring"??) is plastered with Copaslip, so much so that it's gone into the switches and even been thrown up into the inside of the cowling.
I swear that my car has been owned by a real Muppet before me.
What - if anything - should the contacts be lubed with?? .......And what's the best solvent for Copaslip?
TIA
Stuart.

[Andy_magic]

brake cleaner will get it off a treat.

[Brianmoooore]

Slip ring is contacted by a carbon brush which is self lubricating.
Yes, you do come across total muppet owned cars from time to time. My M50 engined touring was such a car. Could write a small book with a list of the things that had just been plain bu**ered up on that one.
The horn problem that Mr Muppet was trying to cure was probably caused by a dry bottom steering column bearing. (Where it goes through the bulkhead).

[tourer-dan]

Is that what causes the groan when I'm parking? Can the bearing be lubed or is it a replacement job?

ps: there's always been a quantity of copper type grease on all the E30's horn rings Ive come across, but it's been fairly solid and not 'flung' everywhere.

[Brianmoooore]

Groan from the steering is likely to be from the steering pump. Flush and change the fluid if not a nice red colour, and, if your lucky, it will go away.

[tourer-dan]

oh, no it's definately from the column - I thought the horn contact was dry, but a bit of lubrication hasn't made any difference. Maybe it's the top bearing.

[StuBeeDoo]

Thanks Brian. As ever a very succinct reply.
Cheers.
Stuart.