My experience as an automotive service advisor and service manager has 
told me the same thing. Most people don't think about their horn until 
it won't stop blowing. Those stories are always entertaining as is 
finding the fuse and pulling it when the come in with the horn stuck 
when they are about 4th in line to get into the service lane and 
getting everyone else all worked up! Or it doesn't work at all and they 
have to get the "Watch for finger" bumper sticker. Thanks for the 
grease recommendation Scott.

David Clarkson

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
To: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Cc: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wed, Dec 12, 2012 9:54 pm
Subject: Re: Upper steering column grease recommendation and what else 
to do while replacing ignition switch

              Hi ..
        I just use a good wheel bearing grease on that bearing.
                   yes, the steering wheels just slip                    
right off the splines. Never saw one                      that didn't 
on a vanagon.

                   Nice to read that                      someone is 
paying attention to ensuring the                       longevity of 
their horn contact ring..
                         Mostly they never get thought                   
       about at all,  it appears to me.
                            They wear in                              
the 'one spot' of course....since the                              
steering wheel is in the straight                                  
ahead position the                                    majority of the 
time.
                                     lol...there are a                   
                    few vans where you have to turn                      
                 the steering wheel a little to get                      
                the horn to work.
                                       Fortunately that                  
                      is a part we can easily get.

                                        scott
                                           www.turbovans.com             

                             On 12/12/2012 1:31 PM, David Clarkson      
wrote:

     I am replacing my ignition switch since mine has      almost 300k 
on it and it's just a good idea IMHO. The part is very      affordable 
and so far the whole repair has been much simpler than      I 
imagined-didn't need a steering wheel puller at all. While I was      
looking at things I noticed the original solidified grease on the      
upper steering column bearing that is exposed and thought that I      
might re-pack it with some new grease. I was thinking of a moly      
grease but would like the group's recommendations. I was also      
thinking of cleaning the horn button contacts and connections and      
lightly coating them with some di-electric grease. Any other      
things that I might inspect, lubricate or do while I am in this      
neighborhood? The van is down for a few days awaiting a starter      
rebuild so I want to do it all while I'm in there. Oh, and I did      
remember to scribe a mark on the end of the steering shaft so that      
I will get the wheel correctly aligned when it all goes back      
together. Thanks everyone.

      David Clarkson
      90 Westy