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MG MGB Technical - Horn slip ring

Hoping that someone can tell me what size screws attach the horn slip ring to the steering wheel. I have a mid-74 roadster, rubbernose, with the collapsible steering column.
D A Jenkins

It looks like an odd-ball with a very coarse thread for its diameter.
paulh4

Thanks for that. I'll see what I can find.
D A Jenkins

Received my new slip ring and found that the screw holes were unthreaded. The slip ring hole was the tapping size for a 6-32UNC screw by 3/4" long. holes tapped now to buy some screws.
D A Jenkins

I did wonder about retapping, or self-tappers, but if the slip-ring is unthreaded then perhaps the standard screws are self-tappers anyway.
paulh4

My slip ring makes a noise like marbles rolling around when I turn the wheel. Is this a case of TADTS? Or does it need adjusting?
T H Brearley

Slip ring on straight and secure, steering wheel same, horn pencil right way round and not broken, horn clip contact twisted - that me out of ideas.
Nigel Atkins

Pencil doesn't rub on the slip-ring, it's just a sprung contact between the back and the horn push and they all rotate together, it can just as easily be a length of wire.

It's the brush contact attached to the column that rubs on the slip-ring as the wheel is turned. That should have a copper contact but they can fall out, if it's there a bit of grease should help.



paulh4

Yes I was thinking more generally with the pencil, whilst in that area best to check the pencil is fine so that you know if you need to use the horn it will be reliable. Unless you're one of those that's very impatient whilst driving it can be rare that the horn is used, I always suggest regularly checking it works and to give it exercise, same for hazards and wipers and heater blower for those that use their classics so very little.
Nigel Atkins

On mine the sprung contact doesn't now have anything at the end, other than a hole. I've put a small brass screw and nut in this hole, and this is what rubs against the slip ring. It would be better if the screw was a half round, rather than a small cheesehead. However, it's worn away at the slip ring, which results in intermittent contact. Was the original contact carbon or something equally sacrificial?
Peter Allen

I replace the hole by a blob of solder - that stops squeaking and lasts a long time.
Chris at Octarine Services

Peter, I *think* it *looked like* copper *IIRC*.

It's available again as a new part, no idea of quality.

ETA: yes looks copper, 37H8051 - http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/clip-horn-contact-8035.html?assoc=142862
Nigel Atkins

As I said, copper, but they do fall out. I replaced mine like yours, but with a round-head. Still scratches a bit from time to time. If I wasn't so tight I'd replace it, 37H8051 from the usual suspects, typically £12, this from Moss, for 1970 and on CB cars.

There is also 37H8102, pic 2, for RB to 77.





paulh4

Put a blob of solder on it!! Cheap and anti-squeak!!!!
Chris at Octarine Services

Sorry Paul I missed/forgot you'd already put the contact was copper.

I'm glad to see the new part is only £12 as I thought they were £20 for some reason.

I like the idea of adding a blob of solder - unfortunately my car doesn't have the part so I'd be interested to know the quality/reliability/longevity of the new part - and I also need a new pencil.
Nigel Atkins

BTW - the slip ring screws show on two sites as GHF422 which on two other sites show as Screw - Self Tapping - 3/4 inch - No. 6.

And Paul whilst I remember, on the 'Translate Fastener Part Numbers' table the first two entries show as 1/4" - I've never noticed but someone else did.
Nigel Atkins

I have seen them at £20 plus in a couple of places.

Quality? Lap of the gods.

My V8 came to me with a Moto-Lita wheel with what looked like a standard arrangement of a piece of wire soldered to the back of the slip-ring and a stud on the horn button. When I replaced it with a pukka wheel I wasn't going to pay £8 (£6 now if that says anything about quality) for the convenience of being able to completely detach the horn push (how often does one need to do that?) so did the same thing.

As far as the parts number table goes is that not correct? One is straight and the other angled.



paulh4

I must be using the wrong solder. Replaced the dome-head screw (which was squeaking a bit) with said blob of solder and it's worse! Replacement brush added to the list for my next order.
paulh4

Nice wide blob - works great!


Chris at Octarine Services

Paul - 1/4" (BSP).
Nigel Atkins

Chris - so is mine (not taking it off again ...)
paulh4

Thanks for the tip about grease Paul. A little Copperslip has quietened it down.
T H Brearley

This thread was discussed between 13/07/2020 and 15/08/2020

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.