Update to the non working horn saga, more help needed

[E30Adam]

I went and had another play with the horn this evening and got very confused and agetated, however, I found something else out.
I bought a new carbon switch and collar from the dealers today just for the hell of it because the car has to be done by Saturday.

I installed the carbon switch and collar and replaced the steering wheel without the lower steering cowling. When I looked behind the steering wheel, the carbon rod didn't touch the contact plate on the back of the steering wheel. Also the little tab on the same ring that cancels the indicator didn't reach the indicator cancel.
I decided to take my sport steering wheel apart to compare and couldn't notice any difference at all, I tried various steering wheels on the tourer and they all do the same.

It's almost as if the steering column needs to be pushed downwards by a small amount. I used my piece of wire with the spade connector at each end plugged it into the wire that goes on the bck of the carbon rod. I touched the other end on the contact plate on the back of the steering wheel whilst depressing the button but nothing happened. Then I touched it onto the metal casing of the steering column itself and the horns sounded. The wiring is obviously okay so I'm guessing that the problem must be around the steering column somewhere.... I always wondered why the indicators never cancelled!!

Any ideas guys?

[andyp]

if ive read this right , it sounds like you have lost the earth to the steering, just try running a wire from the body to the steering column to try this, if you need to just wire up a switch to the horn to get it through the test and sort it out later

[cros]

The position of the spindle within the column is fixed by the position of the snap rings behind the splines on either end.

If the snap ring on the cab side is unseated then the compression spring usually between it and the column top could be stopping you from screwing the wheel onto the spline fully. That and/or the spindle may sink into the column.

Could be dodgy - the spindle would be supported by the joint & rack. Can you pull/push the wheel away from you?

You did take the steering lock off, didn't you?

[E30Adam]

The position of the spindle within the column is fixed by the position of the snap rings behind the splines on either end.

If the snap ring on the cab side is unseated then the compression spring usually between it and the column top could be stopping you from screwing the wheel onto the spline fully. That and/or the spindle may sink into the column.

Could be dodgy - the spindle would be supported by the joint & rack. Can you pull/push the wheel away from you?

You did take the steering lock off, didn't you?

The snap ring at the top seems to be in place but I haven't been able to check the bottom. The steering is all tight and you can't move it at all, it looks just the same as my sport when I took it apart so I'm really stomped as to why this is happening. The wheel secures down fully and the steering lok was off.

[cros]

snap ring at the bottom is another possibility. compression spring at the top would pull the spindle into the cab. (this is making more sense really)

It would also put tension on the joint or even pull the face of it into the column, making the steering stiff.

[E30Adam]

The steering feels okay, maybe I should order a new lower and upper bearing and change them. This then light align the steering shaft properly.

I've tested the carbon rod and have 12 volts there so it's got to be a bad earth through the steering column somewhere.

[andyp]

i will play with my breaker in the morning and then come back here i think, as i aint sure wot u lot are talking about yet

[E30Adam]

i will play with my breaker in the morning and then come back here i think, as i aint sure wot u lot are talking about yet

Basically, the horn gets it's power from a 12V feed via the sprung carbon rod behind the steering wheel, this *should* stay in contact with a plate on the back of the steering wheel that I'm sure you've seen, however, the steering wheel when fully tightened won't get close enough to touch the carbon rod. It it was touching, when you press the horn button, it earths the 12V from the carbon rod against the steering column and the horns sound. There seems to be a bad earth somewhere on the steering colums as when I press the button on the steering wheel, the horn won't sound even if I bridge the gap from the carbon switch to the contact plate.

Confused yet

[Brianmoooore]

I've had this steering column not earthing on more than one car, and I think I posted about it on the original thread.
The problem is the bottom bearing in the bulkhead. Spray switch cleaner into it from the engine compartment, and when you've got it working, add some grease.

[E30Adam]

I've had this steering column not earthing on more than one car, and I think I posted about it on the original thread.
The problem is the bottom bearing in the bulkhead. Spray switch cleaner into it from the engine compartment, and when you've got it working, add some grease.

Ah it's the bottom one you were talking about. Any ideas why the steering column might not be sitting in the correct place as there's a gap between the carbon pin and the contact plate when the steering wheel is fully secure!!

Would it benefit from me removing the shaft for some servicing or is this unnecessary? Is switch cleaner the same as carb cleaner of different, I must say I've not heard of it before!

[Brianmoooore]

Switchcleaner I use is made by Servisol, and is intended for TV type applications. Very usefull stuff for sorting out all sorts of switches, potentiometers, etc., followed by a spray of silicon grease.
Don't know why the steering column inner is displaced - I've never had to sererate an inner from an outer, but I should imagine a displaced circlip of some kind is involved. I've got a complete column assly. in the workshop. I'll have a look at it tomorrow if I get time.