swood1 Posted June 5, 2016 Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Hi all, I'm having trouble with the horn on my TR4a. I rebuilt the horn switch yesterday and checked the continuity of both the UJ's in the steering column. I can get it to work by creating a contact from anywhere on the steering column to the chassis/body. So I was thinking that I may have an earthing problem on the steering rack as I assume this would be where the switch is earthed. Is this correct or am i missing something? Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
boxofbits Posted June 5, 2016 Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Hi Steve Yes it's probably something to do with an earth from the rack. I put a small lead from the rack mounting to the chassis and it works fine. Regards Kevin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Willie Posted June 5, 2016 Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 I have had this very problem in the past 2 weeks. I discovered that the steering column must not only be earthed through at least one flexi coupling, but also from rack to chassis. I purchased the relevant items and the intermittent fault has vanished! Part numbers are: Bypass of flexi couplings - 130581 [1 or 2 can be fitted - I just did the top one for ease of access]. Rack to chassis - 134301 Both Moss and Rimmers supply these. Best wishes Willie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swood1 Posted June 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Thanks, I shall get the bits this week, glad it's not just me.. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swood1 Posted June 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Can you confirm where rack to chassis lead is? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grahamgl Posted June 5, 2016 Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Steve, The earth link has one end attached to the plug/grease nipple on the rack, the other end is attached to the adjacent U bolt of the rack clamp. Both of the flexible joints on the steering column need to have an earth link fitted. Graham Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swood1 Posted June 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2016 Thank you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swood1 Posted July 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2016 Hi all, Finally got round to looking at the horn earth issue. Looking at my rack it doesnt seem to have a grease nipple in the middle of the adjustment bolt. The adjustment bolt looks like it has a hex depression I assume for removal. I believe the rack was swapped out 5 years ago. I could try removing this bolt and swapping it with a different one but I understand this bolt is setup to ensure smooth operation of the rack. Is this correct? Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted July 11, 2016 Report Share Posted July 11, 2016 Hi Steve, are there any other nuts/screws etc that can be used for your earth wire? I'll have a look at my setup in a short while and report back. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted July 11, 2016 Report Share Posted July 11, 2016 I fitted a new rack last year, and there was no grease nipple just the hex depression. I questioned it at the time but assured that was the correct new fitting. Dave ==== Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted July 11, 2016 Report Share Posted July 11, 2016 Hi Steve, My rack didn't have a grease nipple either so this is what I did. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swood1 Posted July 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 Hi Roger, No there isnt a bolt to screw it to. I was actually thinking of doing similar to what Pete has done (he read my mind). Did you unscrew the bolt to drill and tap it? Regards Steven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 No Steven, I did it in situ as the body was off the chassis at the time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 If you want a quick fix then a jubilee clip round the rack tube works well, just clean the paint off first and clamp the bare end under the clip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 I love the jubilee clip (or Bodge of the year as Roger H calls it - I'm very proud.). I've got one on my TR4A and the Herald. But around the steering column next to the brake box, with one end screwed to the brake box. Dave === Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted July 12, 2016 Report Share Posted July 12, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted July 13, 2016 Report Share Posted July 13, 2016 I only just spotted this thread but can make another suggestion. Long ago I fitted a spring steel contact which has a soldered pip that bears on the upper column. This is earthed by secure attachment to the shell and has worked perfectly for over 40 years - no need to worry about earth continuity on the flexible couplings or earthing the rack. I attach a picture with apologies for the under bonnet appearance which will probably offend most on here, I only clean the outside of the car and the passenger apartment (occasionally). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim hunt Posted July 13, 2016 Report Share Posted July 13, 2016 Sorry, I meant lower column of course, before someone picks me up on it. Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted July 13, 2016 Report Share Posted July 13, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted July 13, 2016 Report Share Posted July 13, 2016 :lol: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted July 13, 2016 Report Share Posted July 13, 2016 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlejim Posted July 14, 2016 Report Share Posted July 14, 2016 (edited) I did mine (4A) as per original route along steering column, but replaced any dodgy bits with 'desoldering tape' from Tandy or such. Edited July 14, 2016 by littlejim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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