1967 250SE W108 Steering column problem

[Tassie Tiger]

Hi,
I recently installed a replacement steering column and the horn now activates each time I move the gear change lever on the column. It appears that as I move the lever, the guide pin and washer move far enough forward to make contact with the horn ring contact. The steering column is the older type with the white steering wheel and straight gear change lever. As you can imagine this is quite irritating and I have now temporarily disconnected the horn.
I would appreciate your advice in correcting this problem.
Regards,
Tassie Tiger

[MunichTaxi]

have positive current flowiing to them at all times. If any part of the wiring is grounding, the horn sounds.

I traced all wiring to solve my horn issue, and it turned out to be one horn was grounding all the time. Therefore, it soiunded all the time.

Look for any chafed wires from the horn to the horn ring.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by Tassie Tiger

Hi,
I recently installed a replacement steering column and the horn now activates each time I move the gear change lever on the column. It appears that as I move the lever, the guide pin and washer move far enough forward to make contact with the horn ring contact. The steering column is the older type with the white steering wheel and straight gear change lever. As you can imagine this is quite irritating and I have now temporarily disconnected the horn.
I would appreciate your advice in correcting this problem.
Regards,
Tassie Tiger

Short-term, you could glue a small bit of plastic, say something cut from a soda bottle or soap jug, to the tip of the shift-shaft to prevent electrical horn contact while shifting.

There should be 2 bushings (my factory manual calls them 'Vulkolan rings'), a washer and clip at the upper end of the columnshift shaft, to secure and limit end play. You'll need to pull the upper steering column bearing hub to replace what's worn or missing. The parts are probably still availible, or you might be able to fabricate something yourself from rubber hose or plastic tubing.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[Tassie Tiger]

Thanks for your replies.
The wiring is fine and my observation is that the rubber rings are moving so I am assuming that they are worn or the clip is faulty. I will work on this area first.
Tassie Tiger

[cth350]

There should be some notes about the column rebuild in the archives. You basically need to replace a pair of 1$ bushings. If you don't find it in the archives see if www.jaimekop.com has it. I remember Jaime being the first guy on the benz vet's list to have to do this. -CTH