Replace horn wiring?

Tiny
LWWILKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1973 JEEP CJ5
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
I need to replace the ground wire (in center of steering column), the contact popped off the wire. Does this require disassembling of the steering column?
Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 8:53 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
LWWILKS
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Images of what I am working with.
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Friday, July 14th, 2023 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Are you able to crimp a new ground contact? The wire is there, so I couldn't see why you would need to remove the column.

Because of the year, I have no wiring schematics. Let me know. Also, if you could upload a couple of pictures showing the contact, that may help me.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, July 14th, 2023 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
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Let's look at page 314 in here: https://oljeep.com/53CjDj/53-71JeepCjDjServiceManual.pdf

This is the 1953-1971 manual I think it's the same horn system.

I think this is what you need:

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/products/master-horn-button-repair-kit-for-1-1-4-steering-wheels-fits-46-64-cj-2a-3a-3b-5/

They show 2 videos further down the page!

Here's their free catalog:

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/request-a-catalog/

---The Medic

I told the pilot there was no way that I would trade my Jeep!
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Saturday, July 15th, 2023 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
LWWILKS
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Joe and CJ Medevac.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, 72 -75 appears to be different than the earlier and later models. From what I have read 72-75 use the "brush" and "bushing" contact (located under the steering column).
I am uncertain how or where the ground wire attaches inside the steering shaft.
I already purchased a replacement horn button assembly (Omix-Ada | 18032.04 | Horn Button Kit | OE Reference: 927416K) since the button cover was dry-rotted.
I don't think there is enough wire exposed to crimp the end pieces back to the wire. See attached images of new wire. I don't know if there is enough space inside the steering shaft to solder or butt spice wires together and tuck into shaft.
Larry
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
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Here's some more stuff if it might help some:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM0y8ZlJ0RY

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/products/master-horn-button-repair-kit-for-2-1-4-steering-wheels-fits-60-75-cj-3b-5-6-fc150-fc170/

According to the video--the brush thing was on earlier stuff like my '46 CJ2A.

Hope this helps!

---The Medic
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Monday, July 17th, 2023 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
LWWILKS
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I figured out how to fix it. The ground wire passes through the steering shaft to the brush contact through a hole in the steering shaft.
1- remove the "brush" cap from bottom of steering column.
2- remove the bolt from coupling (u-joint) assembly the steering shaft goes into.
3- with Steering wheel attached pull steering wheel and steering shaft in towards front seat. (This may take some hits from dead-blow hammer to get released from coupling).
4- pull steering assembly upwards until "brush" contact is exposed.
5- desolder ground wire from "brush" contact and clean and remove old wire, saving the wire cover.
6- pass new wire and contact through center of steering shaft and exit through hole. Cut wire to length, slide wire cover over wire and push into hole, strip back end of wire and slide into "brush" contact and solder.
7- push/guide steering shaft down and through exit to the coupling and then run bolt back into coupling to lock steering shaft into place. Use caution and make sure steering shaft is completely seated to avoid damage to splines.
8- reattach the "brush" cap to bottom of steering column.

I applied anti-seize to both end-splines of the steering shaft in case I ever have to pull it again and for when I replace the steering wheel.
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Monday, July 31st, 2023 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Thank you for the excellent update. I'm confident what you wrote will help others in the future.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, July 31st, 2023 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
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I agree Joe!

Many folks don't update with their actual fix, others are left in limbo!

The Medic
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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 8:47 PM

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