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Date:         Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:34:43 -0500
Reply-To:     David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Upper steering column grease recommendation and what else to
              do while replacing ignition switch
Comments: To: scottdaniel@turbovans.com
In-Reply-To:  <50C94493.1020205@turbovans.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; format=flowed

My experience as an automotive service advisor and service manager has told me the same thing. Most people don't think about their horn until it won't stop blowing. Those stories are always entertaining as is finding the fuse and pulling it when the come in with the horn stuck when they are about 4th in line to get into the service lane and getting everyone else all worked up! Or it doesn't work at all and they have to get the "Watch for finger" bumper sticker. Thanks for the grease recommendation Scott.

David Clarkson

-----Original Message----- From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> To: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM> Cc: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Wed, Dec 12, 2012 9:54 pm Subject: Re: Upper steering column grease recommendation and what else to do while replacing ignition switch

Hi .. I just use a good wheel bearing grease on that bearing. yes, the steering wheels just slip right off the splines. Never saw one that didn't on a vanagon.

Nice to read that someone is paying attention to ensuring the  longevity of their horn contact ring.. Mostly they never get thought about at all,  it appears to me.  They wear in the 'one spot' of course....since the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position the majority of the time. lol...there are a few vans where you have to turn the steering wheel a little to get the horn to work. Fortunately that is a part we can easily get.

scott www.turbovans.com

On 12/12/2012 1:31 PM, David Clarkson wrote:

I am replacing my ignition switch since mine has almost 300k on it and it's just a good idea IMHO. The part is very affordable and so far the whole repair has been much simpler than I imagined-didn't need a steering wheel puller at all. While I was looking at things I noticed the original solidified grease on the upper steering column bearing that is exposed and thought that I might re-pack it with some new grease. I was thinking of a moly grease but would like the group's recommendations. I was also thinking of cleaning the horn button contacts and connections and lightly coating them with some di-electric grease. Any other things that I might inspect, lubricate or do while I am in this neighborhood? The van is down for a few days awaiting a starter rebuild so I want to do it all while I'm in there. Oh, and I did remember to scribe a mark on the end of the steering shaft so that I will get the wheel correctly aligned when it all goes back together. Thanks everyone.

David Clarkson 90 Westy


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