HORN CONTACTS on turn signal switch

[Oldtimer]

The horn contacts on my turn signal switch don't play nice with after market steering wheels.

Did Ford ever have a turn signal switch with roller contacts, like a Chrysler/Dodge?

FORD

Chrysler

 

[DirtDonk]

Not that I’ve ever seen. But that’s a great idea!
What is it that you’re having a problem with though? Lots of us have had issues of various types, with various adapters and steering wheels. Are you sure your adapter is made for the two contact versus the single contact?
What year is your bronco, and if it’s a 74, does it have a horn relay or not?

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and speaking of relays… If yours doesn’t have one, you should add one.
Once you get the contacts and everything dialed in, the contacts will last a lot longer if you use a relay.

 

[m_m70]

Hey Old Timer!
Didn't your mod work from back in 2020? See link......It looked awesome and has been on my to do list for a few years now....

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/t...ed-working-and-now-it-shocks-me.305996/page-2

I ended up just taking my horn contacts out until I do the mod.....went through a couple of the Lecarra adapters and they're just crap. Wheel is OK but not worth the money or the headache.....live and learn.

 

[Oldtimer]

68 Bronco column, two contacts for horn in turn signal switch, been running a relay for years, so minimal electrical stress on system.
The horn contacts wore thru copper foil on Lecarra hub adapter. I attributed it to the 5 mill copper foil on printed circuit card stock that Lecarra used for adapter. I had some copper rings made by SendCutSend and attached them to hub adapter. See thread posted by @m_m70 (I was in Pacifica Memorial day) if you want to see photos of damage & repair.

@DirtDonk , the issue is the brass horn contacts wear down till there is a very sharp corner on at the top of the contact, the sharp corner digs into copper contact ring, binds up, and for a split second it feels like I just lost power steeing.

I know it is a long shot on finding Ford turn signal switch with roller contacts, but that is easier than changing contact rings from copper to stainless steel or ???? (somthing else).

I aggree with m-m70 about the Lecarra adapter. May have to go to different after market steeing wheel, but the few I look at had adapter hubs of similar (poor) design.

 

[DirtDonk]

Duh. I read the question, but didn’t even look at who was writng it! Sure, I know you have a 68. Should’ve noticed that right away.

 

[DirtDonk]

I suppose lubrication doesn’t help? That seemed to get rid of my problems.
But that was with a stock steering wheel, so likely much more robust rings.

 

[fluffybunny]

I got tired of my aftermarket steering wheel screwing up my horn so I simply cut the horn wires up top, pulled them out of the column, and added a dash mounted horn button.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Had issues once. Either a lack of lube or a thin copper clad. Replaced with the exact same parts, with lube, and it was fine.

 

[Jonathan_Cole]

I got so tired of trying to fix mine I ran the wires to the washer switch on the dash.