Horn Issue

Subject: Horn Issue Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:01 pm

I recently bought a 1995 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. For the most part things are fine.

BUT, the horns don't work. From the reading I have done I must guess it is the contacts inside the steering wheel.

Now, changing the wheel for another one shouldn't be that big of a deal - I just want some input on which wheel I might pick up to put on.

I want to get a small wheel (SWMBO) has a slight problem of reaching the pedals and keeping her front side from hitting the wheel!!! lol

There are many wheels on ebay (other place suggestions welcome). I would like to find one that closely matches the woodgrain trim of the interior (a dark british look).

Those who have replaced their wheels with after market jump in here and provide any input.

Thanks

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:28 pm

I have replaced both of my wheels with aftermarket units. One thing you may be able to do is use a short NRG wheel mount for a Nardi/MOMO wheel to Chevy, and get a flat/minimal dish 14.3inch (360mm) or 15.4 inch(390mm) wheel. You need a horn button with the wheel. Nardi and MOMO make nice wood steering wheels that pretty much match the wood interior of the wagons. You will not have the airbag, no matter what wheel you use. The only caution is that the wheel may get too close to the multifunction (turn signal) stalk to be comfortable, and it may even hit the backside of the wheel. You may be able to use the standard NRG adapter with a flat wheel. The distance change will not be more than a couple of inches no matter what you use.

A second possibility is to use a Grant three bolt mount, and an older style shallow dish wheel. You will have the same issues, except the horn button will be further away from the driver. The Grant adapter also requires that you remove the tabs inside the wheel bezel for clearance. There are a number of wheels that will work with the Grant adapter, but they are not as nice as the Nardi, and MOMO wheels.

There is a wide range of vinyl and leather ones available as well as wood. You may be able to get one of those to fit as well. The Nardi wheels, and some of the MOMOs have thinner rims that will allow you to place the wheel closer to the MP stalk without becoming uncomfortable, or interfering. I personally like the thicker wood rim, but I have one of each, and it is not uncomfortable either way. The thinner rims give it more of an "old school" feeling.

If you choose to go with a smaller wheel, a 14 inch is about the smallest that feels comfortable when driving. The original wheel is 15 inches in diameter. If you use a smaller wheel, the column can be tilted down a little more, and may get you a little more space by being more vertical.

The NRG adapters are about $100-125, and a good used MOMO or Nardi wheel should be about $175 plus shipping on ebay. Be careful, and check the wood for any cracks. Cracks will spread rapidly, and ruin a wheel. New Nardis and MOMOs are about $350. The Grants are cheaper, but I do not like them as much. If you are going with the basic Grant 3 bolt adapter is about $35, you are pretty much limited to Grant wheels, or a used wheel on ebay. There were a few 3 screw wheels made by people other than Grant, but they are few and far between. The Grants have a deeper dish than I think you want as well. The dish of the wheel will affect the clearance between your girl and the wheel...deeper dish closer fit. If you get the 5 bolt adapter from Grant, you will be back where you started with your girl's clearance issues.

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Mon Apr 27, 2015 5:55 pm

Fred, thanks a lot for the information.

I am totally out of my element in picking a wheel and accessories that will fit - the first time!!

Doing the install shouldn't cause me any issues but there are hundreds of wheels that may not be a direct bolt on.

Appreciate your time.

Bill

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Mon Apr 27, 2015 9:35 pm

Posts : 22 Join date : 2014-10-17 Location : ocala,fl

so is the consensus that problems with the orig wheel/horn combo arent fixable with orig parts?somebody mentioned there is a membrane type sheet with electrical wiring in it for horn button contact,that sits under the airbag? any truths?

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Sat May 02, 2015 9:27 pm

vetrnz06 wrote:: so is the consensus that problems with the orig wheel/horn combo arent fixable with orig parts?somebody mentioned there is a membrane type sheet with electrical wiring in it for horn button contact,that sits under the airbag? any truths?

It depends on what year and model car you have.

Posts : 22 Join date : 2014-10-17 Location : ocala,fl

hey fred- i have a 95 roadmaster wagon. i had talked to you when i had to replace the rollers in the two drivers side windows awhile back.

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Sat Sep 02, 2023 11:28 am

Can the contacts in the 1996 OEM steering be fixed?

Subject: Re: Horn Issue Sat Sep 02, 2023 12:18 pm

I have never worked on a 96 horn system. If you can get a couple of small momentary contact switches you may be able to fix it. The parts are in the airbag. You will have to open it up, and check for the application.

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