My FJ60 Intermittent Horn Fix

[PatrickM]

I just fixed my horn that was nearly inoperable since I bought the truck. Im not sure if theres a write up regarding this simple fix, but I thought I'd share mine. Previously, my horn only worked with the wheel being centered/tracking straight and it was starting to get annoying not being able to "honk if (insert whatever you are here)" . I bought the parts from Cruiser Dan.

First step is to remove the cover from the steering wheel (the one which houses the horn buttons). I had a bit of trouble with the bottom screw and had to drill it out. I made sure to order 3 new screws when I bought the brass pin from CDan. Upon reinstallation, apply antiseize. I believe that a bit of electrolytic corrosion is common for many here at this bottom screw due to humidity and the fact that it acts as a ground for the horn.

Anyway, once the steering wheel cover plate and plastic column surround are removed, remove the steering wheel with a steering wheel puller. Make sure to mark the splines with a paint pen to keep everything straight when you reinstall.

The pin bound by the spring in the photo below is what creates contact with the horn circuit. It seats around a ring behind the steering wheel for continuous contact when you turn the wheel. Mine, like all of them, is beat. I made sure to clean the ring with steel wool to remove any corrosion.

Here is a shot of the part(s) being replaced

View from above looking directly at steering column. This connector secures to the brass pin above. The pin is held hold with a c-clip just to the right of the connector. Easy to remove and install if you take your time.

Comparison between old and new pin

New pin installed and sliding components greased up while im in there.

Align the brown collar shown above with your steering wheel, as well as the splines with steering wheel. Install the steering wheel. The 19mm nut/column is spec'd for 25 ft lbs. Install the cover plate, horn button spade connector, and three new cover plate screws. Easy fix. Horn work great. Happy Honkin' !

It helps to have a friend there for moral support.

 

[Biggunns]

Awesome, I'll need to do this soon.

 

[Crick60]

Good work mate, you could've done the lights contacts while you were there.

 

[GrooGrux03]

Thanks for this write up. Had intermittent horn problems on my '82 for years then nothing once I got it back from the shop. Turns out the whole pin had broken off. So I replaced it and it's working now, however, I'm struggling understanding where the c-clip is supposed to go. I imagine it holds the wiring in place behind the wheel to prevent the wiring from coming in contact with the steering column (makes the horn go off) but I'm just not sure on it. Anyone have a clear pic of where that clip goes or a solid explanation?

 

[Output Shaft]

The tiny pesky retaining clip which is easily lost is used to retain the pin. After the pin is inserted, the clip is snapped over the 2nd groove to keep the pin from popping out from the spring tension.

 

[GrooGrux03]

The tiny pesky retaining clip which is easily lost is used to retain the pin. After the pin is inserted, the clip is snapped over the 2nd groove to keep the pin from popping out from the spring tension.

View attachment 1272195 View attachment 1272196

Thank you for the detailed explanation! So helpful!

 

[GrooGrux03]

Also, in case anyone else strips the screws on the back of the wheel when removing the front plate and needs to replace them, the screws I used on my '82 FJ60 were M5-.8x12mm. They fit perfectly.

 

[wrc3]

I had the same problem and this post was a huge help. I thought it was going to be some electric gremlin that I didn't want to chase down and it was the pin.

 

[gregclimbs]

Thanks for posting this... $6.53 later my new-to-me horn works all the time.

 

[GrooGrux03]

I got mine installed and it works, however, something within the circuit appears to be off or maybe something on the buttons on the steering wheel. My horn randomly sounds while driving, which is awesome because I get to wave to every person I drive by. I thought initially it was because the pin and clip at the back were hitting the steering column (metal) and that completed the circuit. I put some electric tape on that to mitigate it but it is still going off randomly. I'm going to pull it all again and check the contacts within the steering column and the buttons on the steering wheel and make sure everything lines up there.

Any other thoughts?

 

[chichiflys]

Thanks Patrick. Just replaced my pin as well. Your write up was most helpful. Cheers!

 

[pumbaatx]

Thanks Patrick, swapped mine last night. Took around an hour. Your walkthrough was extremely useful! Passed Texas inspection with my horn fixed and got my new cruiser registered this morning. I'm legal baby!

 

[Wayne Jacobs]

I started doing this to my FJ62, but need some direction in how to remove the housing'cover so that I can get to the pin retaining ring.

 

[pumbaatx]

In the 60, there were some screws on the bottom of the plastic covering that expose all the mechanics of the steering column. There were another 4 screws that hold on the turn signal switch assembly. Once you pull that off, there should be enough room to get some needle nose pliers back there if you depress the spring pin. Remove the wire connected to the contact pin and pull the c clip.

 

[John Staton]

Just ordered a new pin...I was gonna take this to my buddies shop and let him do it, but seems simple enough if I have a steering wheel puller, which are cheap. I see most come with several size bolts for different models and when reading the reviews some have purchased and it didn't include the size they needed. Can you tell me what size bolts you need for a landcruiser?? The one I am looking at that is pretty basic includes:

• Bolt sizes include: 5/16 Inch x 18, 5/6 Inch x 24, and 3/8 Inch x 16

 

[Seth S]

You don’t need a steering wheel puller. Simply undo the nut and then hit the wheel at the 3 and 9 positions with the palms of your left and right hands. Alternating your hits. Not a lot of force is needed and it will loosen right up

 

[Tele65]

Thanks Patrick. Just did this project on my '86 60. Works perfect now. Had to drill out same bottom screw on steering wheel cover as well. While I was in there I replaced the brass ring in the steering wheel as well. Here's a pic with the part number.

 

[blbuck12]

Definitely worth replacing the ring as well since you're in there. After replacing my pin last year my horn started working, but there was a soft scraping noise when turning the wheel. My plate had warped and grooves from dirt worn into it. Pulled it all back out and replaced the plate and the pin again. No noise at all, and the horn goes beep beep!

 

[Sirlosealot]

Does the horn ring have washers under it from the factory. I went to replace mine and found 2 washers under each of the 3 legs of the ring. I think the PO did this.

 

[87CRUSR]

Does the horn ring have washers under it from the factory. I went to replace mine and found 2 washers under each of the 3 legs of the ring. I think the PO did this.

I just replaced my horn components and I do not recall seeing any washers.