Turn Signal problem with Russ Thompson setup

[jakester888]

I believe this is an installation issue - not a problem with the solution provided by Russ Thompson.

But here is my issue : whenever I turn the steering wheel left or right, this will always cause the turn signal to rotate and engage the blinker. This should not be the case. The turn signal shaft seems to be moving with the steering shaft. I know I've secured the Russ Thompson VW base properly to the frame but the unit still moves when steering is engaged.

Looks like this :

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Any suggestions?

[DaleG]

Yes, the turn signal should rotate only when you turn the stalk, i.e. independent of the shaft. There needs to be a small space between the two. Loosen the steering column bolt, pull the steering wheel back a hair and see if this "frees" it up, then we'll go from there.

[Avalanche325]

There is also a set screw that holds the wider part onto the shaft.

[jakester888]

There needs to be a small space between the two. Loosen the steering column bolt, pull the steering wheel back a hair and see if this "frees" it up, then we'll go from there.

You nailed it. Works like a charm now that I added a 3mm gap. Thank you.

[jakester888]

You nailed it. Works like a charm now that I added a 3mm gap. Thank you.

The steering shaft keeps wiggling it's way down toward the russ thompson shaft. To maintain the 3mm gap, I have to loosen the center steering bolt - so much to the point that the steering wheel does not make good contact to the steering shaft. If I tighten the center bolt, I lose that 3mm gap to the russ thompson shaft.

Any suggestions?

[DaleG]

I'm tackling this issue tomorrow; I'm thinking of where to install a shim to maintain a constant gap. Will let you know what I come up with.

Cheers, Dale

[jakester888]

Thinking about grinding the Russ Thompson piece (which is actually from a VW I think), grinding down the edge which makes contact with the steering wheel. Maybe that'll help.

[CraigS]

Jakester a couple of things.1- your steering shaft should not be moving. Check the collars that are on the shaft to see if the setscrews have come loose. 2- If you have to grind anything, I would grind the bottom of the aluminum piece that the steering wheel bolts to rather than the RT t/s unit. 3- When I had my RT unit, it was a tight fit between the dash and the steering wheel. I had to push the dash forward a little and then tighten the screw to locate the RT unit. The constant pressure from the dash caused it to slide slowly toward the steering wheel.

[DaleG]

Okay. Just tackled this. Three things:

1. Bend the tab on the Russ component that bolts to the chassis so that it is flat/flush against the angled surface on the 2x2 under the steering wheel; snug it flush with the self-tapping screws then anchor it further with a rivet in the lower hole. This puts the TS apparatus as far down as it can go. Then,

2. Make sure the steering shaft is anchored by the set screws in the two upper collars (one on the 2x2 under the steering wheel, and the other as the shaft exits the footbox).

3. Now, attach the steering wheel and see if the TS stalk part rotates with the steering wheel; if not, you should be OK. If it does, you can do one of two things (or both):

a) Loosen the set screws on the two collars and pull the steering wheel out ~3/32"-1/8" (a few taps with a rubber mallet may help); this should work. Re-tighten the set screws. If you cannot get any movement in the shaft, then...

b) Go to your hardware store (True Value and Ace Have them, probably Home Depot and Lowes also) and get a machine bushing 1-1/2" x 2-1/4" x 14 ga and install it on the steering wheel hub per pics (use a light coat of lithium grease or preferably moly lube with graphite on each side (comes in a tube); install steering wheel, tighten down the allen bolt and you are done.

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I used the bushing because I'm lazy:cool:.

Cheers, Dale

[jakester888]

Dale, I didn't need the bushing/spacer. I did check the 2 hex set screws and, yes, they were loose. This explains why I kept losing my 3mm gap. Once I moved my steering column in the right position 3mm away from the RS setup, then locked in the set screws it appears to be working fine.

Thank you for the solution - simple. So many times on this forum I end up saying, "DOH!" Thinking of changing my handle to Homer.

[DaleG]

So many times on this forum I end up saying, "DOH!" Thinking of changing my handle to Homer.

Gee, I have no idea what you're talking about:).