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Horn Wire 1974 Cj5

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Lotus Earth, Nov 27, 2020.

  1. Nov 27, 2020
    Lotus Earth

    Lotus Earth New Member

    Amelia Island, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2020
    Messages:
    8
    Hey Guys,

    I did a search and read quite a few posts on the horn wire for my 1974 stock CJ5, but still not sure where the wire runs in this year/model.

    It doesn't appear to run out the bottom of the steering shaft and I have looked behind the tiny plastic cover towards the upper shaft near the steering wheel.

    I believe my wire must be much shorter than the one I received with the horn button replacement kit and reproduction stock steering wheel.

    My stock steering wheel, horn button and Spartan turn signal unit all work perfectly, but the wheel comes off black in my hands anytime there is moisture and this is my daily driver.

    I'm hesitant to pull on the spring loaded wire too hard without knowing how the system goes together.

    I've pulled steering wheels before from old air-cooled Volkswagens and familiar with the process of removing a wheel like this, but want to understand the horn wire more as it is functioning so well as-is.

    Any thoughts on the proper removal of this wire and replacing the wheel with the new reproduction are greatly appreciated :)

    My name is Thomas Stillwell, located on Amelia Island, Florida with a very stock 1974 Jeep CJ5 39k original miles.

    IMG_1575-2.jpg
     
  2. Nov 27, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    As I recall, the horn wire comes up to the steering wheel hub through the turn signal harness. It is held at 12V, and when grounded, sounds the horn. the wire goes to a plastic plate on the steering column with a metal brush that rides on a ring on an insulated collar on the steering shaft. From there a wire goes up to a spring contacting the a brass disk in the horn button. When you press the horn button, the disk is grounded to the steering shaft and this sounds the horn.

    If you replace the wheel, it does not affect the button or wiring. No need to replace the wire if it works now. Pry the rubber button off and I recall the horn contact stays in the steering shaft.

    Nice looking Jeep! Welcome from Boston.
     
    Last edited: Nov 27, 2020
  3. Nov 27, 2020
    ToddsCJ

    ToddsCJ Phantom Phixer

    Williams, Arizona
    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2015
    Messages:
    7
    Why dont you just leave the wheel on it for the time being, pull the wheel and shaft together. It will make the wire servicing much easier for you, that way you are not trying to fight with it in vehicle. You can pull the wheel from the shaft much easier in the vise .
     
  4. Nov 27, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Remove the plastic plate before you pull the steering shaft, if you choose to do so.
     
  5. Nov 30, 2020
    Lotus Earth

    Lotus Earth New Member

    Amelia Island, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2020
    Messages:
    8
    Thanks guys really appreciate the advice!

    I've been trying to find some time to work on the steering wheel, but with the holidays it's been busy!

    Hoping to get a better look at the horn wire tomorrow and it would be great to be able to leave it in place and simply switch out the steering wheel.

    Thanks again, Tom.
     
  6. Dec 1, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
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