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General TR TR4-6 Horns, I am about to give up

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glemon

glemon

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My horn, TR250, pretty much same set up as TR4-6, has a mind of its own and honks sometimes when I turn or put any side pressure on the wheel. I have put new internal bushings in the column, that seemed to help a little but now doing it again. Seems to also make a difference how much I pull the column in and out, but won't go away, I have not been able to pinpoint what exactly is causing it.

I don't really like this option, but am considering bypassing the column and just putting in a simple push switch.

My TR4a was finicky too, I think I had trouble getting it to work reliably.

Anybody had this trouble or can suggest a solution or diagnosis I would appreciate it.

I have spent way too much time already taking it apart and trying to adjust things/figure it out, including that wonderful time spent under the wheel on my back.
 
Have you checked the insulation on the wires going into the steering wheel?
Could be a wire grounding to complete the circuit.
 
Is it possible that you have a bent internal steering shaft?

Cheers
Tush
 
Do you have a moto lita or similar boss installed? One I had went too deep and would ground just like the issue you have. Easiest fix was to loosen the inner column clamp and pull the wheel out about 1/8".
 
Yes I have/had the problem with both of my TR4's I do have the Motolita steering wheels. I believe the wheel was grounding out on the brass/ copper ring under the wheel. So I ground off a good 3/16" or more from the bottom of the steering wheel where it sits right above the charged brass / copper ring. I believe that something like your steering wheel is hitting that ring and causing the horn to honk.
Charley
 
I have a stock wheel, but yes, it seems like it is very sensitive to where I have the inner and outer columns, I don't remember exactly, but by playing with the adjustment of the inner and outer columns with respect to each other I can eliminate the errant beep, but I also eliminate the horn working via the push button. I have thought I have found the sweet spot a few times, but it comes back.

Me autocrossing the car and yanking the heck out of the wheel probably doesnt help any.
 
I think at one time Art Lipp sold a delrin bushing you could install right under the horn ring- not sure it would solve it for you but it would firm it up even more and the stock bushings don't need to be disturbed. Also have you looked at the horn pencil, if the plastic is messed up in it there is a chance you are grounding there.
 
The horn works by grounding the wire to the horn button. If the horn is honking when you don't want it to, it has to be that something in the circuit is touching ground. Probably a frayed or loose wire, or a connection that is loose or bent. You already have isolated the problem, so you need only find where that is happening. A little disassembly and I think it will become obvious.
 
Replace the steering shaft bushings. Move you wheel back and forth and if the horn blows, it's the bushings.
A bit of a pain, but lots of info in a search on DIY.
Wayne
 
I have replaced the steering shaft bushings, love how the steering feels now, still get unintended honks.
 
Well, glad the improvement is to your liking, sure sorry it didn't solve the horn issue.
Unplug the horns and put a OHM meter with alligator clips on the ground end of the wire at the horn. stick the other end on the copper plate and start moving things around and see when or where you get a reading.
I feel sure you checked at the end of the cover shaft under the dash, that is where most bear wires show up.
Keep us informed.

Wayne
 
Yes, I have checked the cover, will not have time to work on it for a while, moving and renovating a house, thanks for all the suggestions
 
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