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TR4/4A Horn Brush Question

ghawk16

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I broke my original horn brush, so I ordered a replacement from Moss. I'm going to be putting it in this evening, but does anyone know the correct orientation? Mine had a small ball bearing in the hole as well. Was that OE? If so, does that go towards the ring or at the button? I'm assuming the brush can go either way since its spring loaded? Thanks
 
The ball to the bottom as it "rolls" on the contact ring.

Well, not sure how the ball would even fit unless I trimmed down the horn brush moss sent. Even with the spring end going all the way in there is no way it would fit with the horn button. I did notice the original one was significantly shorter on one end. Also, putting it back in...how in the HECK would you get the ball to stay in place since the wheel is open down that way. Does the ball slightly go within the brush plastic? Anyone have any pics they could post up? I know it's a VERY simple item but while my horns work, they sound like a beaten seagull. Also, I never had the ground from the steering rack as I have the aluminum mounts. I'm wondering if I should pull a bolt and ground down the frame behind one of the bolts to form a better ground.
 
Your horn bush sounds quite different from the original equipment. The original was a unit with no loose parts. It does have an internal spring. I have heard that some of the bushes were longer than original. A picture of your would help.
 
Gary - is it really a ball, or just a rounded solder contact? Here is an Lucas replacement circa 1985. The long brass 'pin' fits through the steering wheel hub and contacts the fixed brass ring. A spring inside the plastic sleeve keeps it pressed against the ring to maintain continuity as the steering wheel turns. The upper contact sits against the brass 'arm' on the bottom of the horn button assembly. Here are some pictures for comparison to yours.


P1090274.jpgP1090275.jpgP1090276.jpg

Its about 2.5 inches long; there wsa a longer version for some other Triumph variants, maybe Spitfires.
 
Gary - is it really a ball, or just a rounded solder contact? Here is an Lucas replacement circa 1985. The long brass 'pin' fits through the steering wheel hub and contacts the fixed brass ring. A spring inside the plastic sleeve keeps it pressed against the ring to maintain continuity as the steering wheel turns. The upper contact sits against the brass 'arm' on the bottom of the horn button assembly. Here are some pictures for comparison to yours.


View attachment 55243View attachment 55244View attachment 55245

Its about 2.5 inches long; there wsa a longer version for some other Triumph variants, maybe Spitfires.

This is what mine looks like. But the longer brass end needed to be shortened as the horn button wouldn't even go on with it that length. I took a dremel to it, but the horns sound like a dying frog. I'll tackle this and my blinker issue in Oct/Nov sometime. Don't have time this month and when the weather is nice I want to be out driving it!
 
Gary - I see in a parts catalog that the TR4 thru '69 TR6 used a 1 & 11/16" brush and from '70 on a 2.5" one. Maybe the supply chain got simplified to one type.

Jeff
 
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