Date:         Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:05:37 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Horn gap and column pictures
Comments: To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

>On the top of the column tube is the steering lock assembly,
>containing the upper ball bearing supporting the upper column.  This
>acts as a thrust bearing, and it is the actual locating/supporting
>point for the upper column.  The bearing is trapped between the
>plastic part called out as "ring" on 48.2 and the spacer sleeve
>between it and the steering wheel.  This upper assembly is held
>together on the top by the steering wheel and nut, and on the bottom
>by the welded steering lock ring on the upper column.

Photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/dbeierl/VanagonSteeringColumn#


>Now right here is where Bentley tells a Great Big Lie.  It makes a
>big point, on 48.2-3 and on 94.3, about adjusting the gap between
>the lower surface of the steering wheel and the switch
>assembly.  This is a complete and utter farrago of lies and other
>more pungent stuff.  There is no such adjustment.  That dimension is
>governed *entirely* by the length of the spacer sleeve, depth of
>steering wheel engagement, thickness of steering wheel and other
>fixed dimensions.  I'll get into what can and can't be changed in another post.

Specifically, this photo
https://picasaweb.google.com/dbeierl/VanagonSteeringColumn#5595571327666656306
shows where the slack is that allows increasing clearance by shimming
the plastic spacer under the steering wheel (or of course making the
horn rotating contact shallower).  Decreasing clearance requires
shortening the spacer and replacing the plastic ring shown in the
photo, or making the horn contact deeper.  Clearance could also be
decreased by reaming out the seating surface of the steering wheel
with a properly-shaped reamer and shortening the spacer; but normally
the plastic ring would be much easier.  One could also shorten the
mounting arms for the switch assembly to increase clearance.  *But* -
there shouldn't normally ever be a need to do any of this.  John's
having a problem where things are too close together which is why
I've taken all those dimensions and how we came to understand that
there's no adjustment in the ordinary sense.

Yours,
David