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
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