Horn ground question

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Oct 23, 2013 | 06:49 PM

trilogymac

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From: Magnolia TX

Horn ground question

1977 highboy
no cruise
no A/C
Automatic trans

The horn will not blow when pushing on the wheel. Horn circuit is fine except the ground from the steering wheel to the steering shaft. I pulled the steering wheel and can get the horn to blow if I ground the plunger to the plate under the turn signal trip but if I ground to the steering shaft it wont blow. Is there a ground strap somewhere that may be broken?

Also, I see where the horn hot side connects to the contact wheel inside the steering wheel but where does the weird ground wire connector connect?

Hope this makes sense.

Thanks,
Trilogymac
Bill

Oct 23, 2013 | 08:13 PM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

The short ground wire for the horn pad pushes into one of the threaded holes where you install the steering wheel puller.
If the rag joint has been replaced you need to install a jumper across the joint.

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Oct 23, 2013 | 09:10 PM

trilogymac

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From: Magnolia TX

Mike,
Good evening.
I just went out and looked at my steering shaft. It looks like there is an obvious universal joint about 6-7 inches from the fire wall and there is another coupler that looks like it might be a universal joint inside of a housing with a boot on it right before the steering box. I don't see a conventional type rag joint anywhere.

I never thought they would push a contactor into a threaded hole. I'll try it tomorrow.

Any ideas on the steering shaft?
I could take pics tomorrow if that would help.

Best,
Trilogymac
Bill

Oct 23, 2013 | 09:44 PM

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

Oops "highboy" duuhhh 4WD. Different steering couplings.
On the steering shaft, I know of the coupling that you're talking about but have never had to do "horn work" on one. Not sure how to do that one.

Oct 23, 2013 | 09:59 PM

trilogymac

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From: Magnolia TX

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,

Oct 23, 2013 | 10:58 PM

HIO Silver

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From: NorCal

Some steering shafts have a slip joint so install a jumper over that one too... but before going through all that trouble, ground the steering shaft coming out of the firewall to verify indeed that the jumper(s) will work for your application.

Oct 24, 2013 | 06:57 PM

trilogymac

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From: Magnolia TX

Good evening gentlemen.
Started by checking ground to steering box...good
Checked to shaft on the other side of the 1st universal joint...good.
Checked at firewall on the other side of the second universal...BAD
Jumped from the shaft to the other side of the second universal closest to the firewall and we have a horn!

I'll get a ground strap tomorrow and we are in business.
What would cause the universal not to ground?

Thanks for all the help.
Best,
Bill
Trilogymac