13 replies to this topic

[johnR]

The title says it really - I've got power to my horn button but the column inner isn't earthing to complete the circuit. I presume it should be through the steering rack and I thought that would be earthed because the clamps are?
Any thoughts?
JohnR

[Spider]

There was a brass ring and a brush assy fitted to the top of the column for the Earth to the Column itself. I'll see if I can find a photo (don't hold yr breath though).

[Spider]

Sorry, I don't have a photo on file.

 

I did find a thread over on the MKI Forum;-

 

http://mk1-forum.net...opic.php?t=7706

 

I think you need to join up though to be able to see it all.

[Spider]

Apologies, now I look (it's been a very long while since I last looked!), that is for the Horn Wire itself.

 

There is an Earth Wire that does come up on the column loom, I can't recall if that's for the Horn or for the Blinker repeater bulb.

[dklawson]

Chris, that's a great link you posted with very good photos.  Nice.

 

EDIT:  I don't remember where the black earth wire is on the steering column.  Being an earth wire you should be able to add one at a location of your own choice.  Just don't connect the earth wire to anything that turns or rotates.  

Edited by dklawson, 16 August 2015 - 01:54 PM.

[johnR]

Yes, that's the problem really - it's the inner column itself that needs earthing  and the only metal thing it touches is the splined stub on the rack.

Johnr

[johnR]

I am wondering if the green indicator light needs the steering column outer to be earthed to the body via the clamp to the dash rail as there isn't an earth wire to the stalk.
That would still leave the inner needing earthing for the horn to work?
JohnR

[dklawson]

I hadn't given this much thought until your post.  I assume the original intent was for the rack to provide the earth as you said.  On my Triumphs this is what is done and they went so far as to provide an earth screw connection on the rack housing near where the pinion gear is.  I image there are any number of ways to add a good earth connection to the steering rack on the Mini.

 

As for the little green indicator light, the original bulb socket had two wires and one of them (from memory) had a tiny ring terminal on it that attached somewhere to the turn signal switch's metal frame.  In turn, the switch frame was attached to the outer column and that was earthed through the bracket attaching it to the dash rail.  Again... this is from memory.  It's been a decade since I worked on my car's horn and turn signal switch.

[johnR]

Yes - it was an earthing problem (as it invariably is!) I connected one of the rack cover plate bolts to a small bolt I'd used to attach the main/dip switch on the floor and I now have a (very loud!!)horn.
I've had a go at scraping some of the paint off the outer column where it's clamped and the clamp itself but need to do some more to get it to earth the indicator stalk light - getting there!
thanks for replies,
JohnR

Edited by johnR, 16 August 2015 - 08:25 PM.

[Spider]

Cheers for the comment Doug.

 

It's been around 30 years since I looked at one in detail, so I just resorted to the Workshop Manual, it doesn't show much at all, but interestingly, some cars were fitted with a Column Earth Wire and some were not.

 

Best I can determine from the Manual is that it does indeed Earth via the Rack.

 

I'd suggest fitting a Relay, no matter the Horn, it's just now dawned on me as to why every second rack I overhaul has a pitted bearing,,,,,,,,,,

[dklawson]

I will second the recommendation about fitting the relay.

 

My Mk1's horn never sounded loud and the horn push contacts were definitely pitting quickly again after cleaning.  After I installed a horn relay the high-current load was taking away from the horn push contacts and the horn is reliable and loud.  The relay is easy to add and well worth it.

[Spider]

Doug, I hope you don't mind me taking a liberty here;-

 

I will second the recommendation about fitting the relay.

 

My Mk1's horn never sounded loud and the horn push contacts were definitely pitting quickly again after cleaning.  After I installed a horn relay the high-current load was taking away from the horn push contacts as well as the bearings in the steering rack and the horn is reliable and loud.  The relay is easy to add and well worth it.

[dklawson]

No problem Chris.  

[johnR]

Yes I may fit a relay when I overhaul the loom with a bit more time this winter. I've removed enough paint from the column outer where the stalk clamps on and where it clamps to the dash to get the stalk green light working fine. A lot of work for a bloody little light!
JohnR