Random Horn Honks!

[Mint2Me]

Our 4-speed column shift 230S has developed a new quirk. When I shift from 2nd to 3rd the horn honks! I haven't begun to look for the problem so I thought perhaps a board member might tell me where to look first. It honks just as I go across the gate before going up to 3rd. Then nothing. Any thoughts? If I have to yank the steering wheel, do I need a special tool?

[dobrodan]

You seem to be discovering all of the quirks of an ageing 111 at the same time. The horn honking is caused by the horn contact ring under the steering wheel shorting because the nylon bushings - Mercedes calls them seal rings - in the shift guide pivot are worn, or probably disintegrated. This lets the guide pivot rise too high in the column and contact the horn ring. This is an easy fix. The part you want is 111 997 12 40 (x2). You might as well replace the ball socket bushing on the shifter at the same time (111 268 03 92). Remove the steering wheel and shifter, horn ring, directional switch, etc and replace the bushings. You will likely have some old grease and nylon bits to clean out. Should take about an hour. Just don't lose the small c-clip in the steering column. No special tools are needed.

[Mint2Me]

Originally Posted by dobrodan

You seem to be discovering all of the quirks of an ageing 111 at the same time. The horn honking is caused by the horn contact ring under the steering wheel shorting because the nylon bushings - Mercedes calls them seal rings - in the shift guide pivot are worn, or probably disintegrated. This lets the guide pivot rise too high in the column and contact the horn ring. This is an easy fix. The part you want is 111 997 12 40 (x2). You might as well replace the ball socket bushing on the shifter at the same time (111 268 03 92). Remove the steering wheel and shifter, horn ring, directional switch, etc and replace the bushings. You will likely have some old grease and nylon bits to clean out. Should take about an hour. Just don't lose the small c-clip in the steering column. No special tools are needed.

I sent a note to Tom Hanson at Classic for the parts. Thanks so much for the information. Any tricks getting the wheel off?

[68_280SE]

Here is a link to a great write up with pictures from the m-100 board on fixing this problem.
M-100 Message Board - Horn "short" in column change cars.

John

[dobrodan]

The description on the M100 board is pretty good. The main differences are that, obviously, you have a left hand drive car, and your steering wheel is held on with one large nut on the column which you'll see when you pull the horn pad off.

[Mint2Me]

I haven't heard from Tom yet. Can I get these bushings from a local dealer?

[Mint2Me]

Originally Posted by Mint2Me

I haven't heard from Tom yet. Can I get these bushings from a local dealer?

Tom called and he's shipping them today. Thanks for the article on changing these parts out. Anything in particular with the shifter bushing?

[Mint2Me]

I had a problem getting the hub to come out but all is right with the world now. A little fussy going into reverse though. Maybe just needs to get used to the new stuff.