Indicator / Horn stem switch

[element]

The car also failed its MOT on the indicators not working (I know they do work but I also know the stem 'works its way' outward and has to be pushed back in to function correctly) I figure its time to replace it. The other stem switch (wipers & squirters) I found out came from a mini - so just bought a replacement & fitted it in. The indicator stem switch does look closely similar to the classic mini one : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-M...MAAOSw7MValq16

However, when I removed the steering wheel to get better access and could see the central fixing plate & the actual switch body, I see it is different to the one I was going to buy to replace it.. Now it may be actually identical in size and function and may be a modern aftermarket version of the original - but before I order this replacement one on Ebay - can anyone throw any light on this case? Do you recognise the one I have? Do you think it came from a Mini - or might it be from another vehicle (perhaps even from a Marina / Ital even? Would you expect the replacement Ebay mini one will fit no bother or might I encounter a problem...? A bit daunted that it appears like I might have to undo & remove the upper steering collumn to remove the old and fit a new switch mount...

Ta for your input..

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Had another look at it today and I'm convinced that the one I have must be an earlier version of the one on Ebay - but it does appear to fix in the same way and so I have just bought it. Time will tell.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

The classic mini stalk assembly is indeed different. But many of the parts, from memory, are interchangeable with Marina parts so it is possible to rescue a worn Marina stalk, but I am trying to decipher your problem and failing to interpret an alternate cure.

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Well the current (old) stalk seems to gragually slide outwards from its mounting, it doesn't fall out but I always have to push it back in by up to 8-10mm... It has always felt 'fragile' as though the inner fixing is broken or damaged but all the functions work - except at the moment the MOT was being done! I think the new one will probably fit in its place - but if not I'm sure I can make it fit..

[dcunn]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Araldite the old stalk in place, I think it's a splined fit !

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Yes I could have done that - but it really does feel flimsy as if its not going to last - even the 'click' of the indicators engaging up and down seems virtually worn out (its probably nearly 40 years old!).. So I have bought the new one and it'll be here this week. Then I'll figure out how to remove the old one and fit the new one in its place.

[jon_wilkinson]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

BL used the same switch on different base plates for lots of different cars. The switch is held to the base plate by four screws so you can swap the new switch onto your old plate. However, be extra careful when you take them apart: there are plastic detents (or in your old one, probably ball bearings) on springs waiting to fall out into that black hole that all dropped parts disappear into. Don't ask me how I know! Keep the switch and base held together when you take out the screws, hold the assembly horizontal with the base plate on top and then slooowly separate and you should be ok.

I would do the old one first, then if you lose something it's less of a disaster.

Another tip: you can remove one of the detents to make it less clicky depending on your preference.

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

BL used the same switch on different base plates for lots of different cars. The switch is held to the base plate by four screws so you can swap the new switch onto your old plate. However, be extra careful when you take them apart: there are plastic detents (or in your old one, probably ball bearings) on springs waiting to fall out into that black hole that all dropped parts disappear into. Don't ask me how I know! Keep the switch and base held together when you take out the screws, hold the assembly horizontal with the base plate on top and then slooowly separate and you should be ok.

I would do the old one first, then if you lose something it's less of a disaster.

Another tip: you can remove one of the detents to make it less clicky depending on your preference.

Thank you for that tip - it will be very useful indeed if I can do as you suggest - the prospect of undoing the steering column to replace the switch had me concerned!

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Sadly the design of both the current fitted switch and the replacement one require the steering collumn to be slid through the assembly and I have no choice but to remove the bowl on the upper end of the steering collumn to be able to do this. I can't remove the old switch assembly off the steering collumn because it runs through the switch assembly & there is no way to remove the switch part and replace it with the new one because of the same reason - it can't be done. If it were just the wiper switch I was changing - then that would be simple - just undo the bolts and swap it over - but I did that last year...
So I am now left with only one option - removing the upper section steering collumn bowl... The top section (with the steering wheel off) has a 'bowl' to which the threaded collumn top protrudes to enable the big nut to tighten around it. See picture below.
I have looked through the build manual and have found a diagram of the 2 types of steering collumn designs (see attached scan of the same). My version is a 'type B' design, with the ignition switch to the lower right. However in both types the 'top end' of the steering collumn appears to have a taper.. Am I therefore right to think that I can therefore just put a puller onto the bowl and it will just pull off? It does feel very tight and maybe originally loctite was used - but if this is how it comes off then I can remove it to give me access behind the bowl to the switch assembly on the collumn...

I've got the whole weekend to work on the car...

[meverett]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

I also have the type B setup and yes that should just pull off. If it is tight I would put the nut back on slightly while you release it as it may come of with force when it does release.
I am in the middle of doing my electrics and dash (still) at the moment so easy for me to take some pics for you.

E56DB307-E67F-4D5B-9EF7-0613D2CEF54D.jpeg

9B869BBB-09DA-4EAF-AE68-8C2D7D11BFC0.jpeg

Cheers, Martin

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Ok thanks Martin - that's pretty much how I expected it to be; good tip about the nut going back on!

Tony

[meverett]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

That’s OK Tony, another top tip that I just thought is i’m not sure if the boss is made of aluminium, (too late to pop out to mine) if so be careful with a puller as it could damage the edges of it. Try putting the steering wheel back on the lightly putting the nut back on and giving the wheel a good sharp pull, the nut will save hitting yourself in the face if the steering wheel suddenly released, it would be funny but painful. :-)

[Ye Ol Ripper]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

I have seen many people break they're noses pulling off steering wheels! So agreed, ensure the nut is placed back on loosely to prevent this.
You don't need a puller, simply refit the Steering wheel to the Mountney Boss and wiggling the steering wheel side to side and at the same time pulling it towards you.

I fitted 2 parts from Minispares , they have had them made specially as apparently the later Lucas items were not good quality and won't last long.to mine and carefully bent the stalks to clear the dash over my thigh/knee area , (as there are wires inside the stalks). The electrical plugs will fit perfectly too.

I went for the Indicators & horn on the left & the wiper stalk on the right. They fit the column fine although you have to do the philips Clamp screw tightly.

Indicator:
http://www.minispares.com/product/Cl...ck%20to%20shop
Wiper:
http://www.minispares.com/product/Cl...ck%20to%20shop

You can also purchase from them the stalks the opposite way around , however I chose the above configuration, to match the layout on my daily driver.

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

Ok thanks guys, I'll do it tomorrow and report back without breaking my nose

[element]

Re: Indicator / Horn stem switch

I put the steering wheel back on and secured it with 4 of the bolts but try as I might I couldn't get it to come free (not enough spinach in my diet maybe). So I used a puller and almost instantly it came free and allowed me to continue.
The new (Classic Mini) indicator stem switch assembly had the same number of wires and the same colour coding too so I cut through all and soldered the old circuit to the new instrument wires like for like and then tested and all was well. The wiper switch on the other side I had to undo from the faceplate of the old indicator switch and then simply attach it to the new faceplate and then refitted the steering wheel and that was nearly that...
Given the shape and design of the new switch assembly is different to the old one, the original steering collumn cowl that used to fit behind the steering wheel doesn't fit anymore... So it now looks like this: