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Subject:Re: Upper steering column grease recommendation and what else to do while replacing ignition switch
From:JRodgers
Date:Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:39:32 -0600

Whil3w working our way through this thread, a couple of things come to
mind.....

Clutch Clevis - The pin and boss on mine is worn and probably needs
repair/replacing. When next I have the dash out I plan to do that. What
I anticipate is not only a new clevis pin but also having the boss(area
around the hole) bushed with a permanently lubricated bronze bushing.
Does anyone see any problems with that? I plan to drive my van until the
end of my days - so it needs to hold up, and I would like for it to for
the next owner. That spot is really hard to get at for maintenance.

Horn Ring - last time I replace the horn ring on my '88 GL, the
replacement horn ring would not fit. I - and David Beierl - spent a ot
of time trying to figure out why the steering wheel would not seat with
the new horn ring in place. It was the correct horn ring by VW, but we
discovered VW apparently  made a change in it and there was a shoulder
on the new one where it did not exist on the old one. The solution was
to carefully remove the brass part from the new ring and install it on
the old ring. Then it worked perfect. I think VW was trying to make a
one-size-fits-all horn ring that would work across many models and the
Vanagon got left in the dust. So be aware of this and don't throw away
the plastic part of the old horn ring. You may need it!

John

On 12/12/2012 10:58 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> another  favorite 'horn trick'is when hastily inserting theignition key
> and getting another key inthe horn contact area and making the horn blow
> ..that's always a fun surprise.
>
> there are hundreds of spots on vanagons that don't get attention or
> lubrication.
> half the time I am +the first person ever* to lube something.
> I even see desparatelysqueaky sliding doors after the van has been to a
> shop ..
> even for a whole engine install sometimes. ....and could anyone find 4
> seconds to shoot the door sliding spots  ? ...evidently 'nope.'
> I see it all the time.
> If nothing else I just shoot a squirt of WD into the horn contact area.
> No need to take it all apart..
> except to check the condition of the horn contact right.  WD has *never*
> done me wrong on any electrical contacts, not for the last 40+ years
> anyway.
>
> scott