Indicator stalk problem...?

[SDL69]

Hi, hope one of you experts out there can help a VW newbee here.... I have a '71 bay and have a problem with the indicator. When I push the indicator lever down to turn left the lever stays where it is (...I know that is what is supposed to happen!), but I have to hold the lever up when I want to turn right, the lever doesn't stay up. The guy I bought it off (nice chap!) said this happens because one of the two screws holding the indicator assembly in position either side of the lever is missing. I have hunted high and low, Action, Fest, BVF, Jam, Freeze, Stonor, even Volksbolts..but cannot find a replacement screw. I ahve a sneaky suspicion that it is not the missing screw causing the problem but rather something more internal...any suggestions before I disassemble the indicator unit into a perplexing pile of bits I cannot reassemble...? :?:

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya SDL,

The assembly of the switch and it's housing is really not at all complicated. As a matter of fact it's rather a straightforward affair. So don't be too apprehensive about taking it apart. If you're still a little anxious, be sure to take digital pictures as you disassemble for your reference in reassembly.

The PO says a missing screw is the problem? Possibly. But I'd be more inclined to think that one of the return springs has gone south. Take a look at the switch assembly itself............

The yellow arrows are pointing out the return springs. When you select left or right those springs stretch out and try to pull the switch back to the no signal position (which it is in as pictured). When the cam on the rotating steering wheel trips the switch, the return springs then can pull the switch back into its original position. Sounds complicated to write it out like this, but it's actually pretty simple.

 

[SDL69]

Thank you for going to all the trouble in illustrating your reply, the picture is really helpful and I now feel less anxious about taking the indicator stalk off. If it is the return spring, do you know where I can get a relacement..?

Thanks Mike
Kind regards

Sean

 

[Bookwus]

Hiya Sean,

That particular spring is pretty specialized. I really doubt that you'll find a matcher in a hradware sort of store. My guess is that your best prospect is to locate an old switch at the breakers and do a bit of cannibalizing.

 

[noddy]

Measure you spring as if there were no space between the coils, and the diameter, then contact someone like this http://www.springcoil.co.uk/extension.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and say you are working on some engineering project and as for half a dosen or so samples of each type the do thats close in size to your original, say its for "prototype test purposes".

I use this one several times to get small quantities of parts for free.

An getting the screw fitted to the top will help, mine did the same for a while until I tightened the fixings. Try using vagcat.com to get the part number then contact VW most fixings are still available.

 

[Araon]

Most automotive spring sets will contain something suitable, granted you'll get 200 springs of little to know use but then they dont cost much, or get yourself to a good old school hardware shop and have a rummage you may be suprised what you'll find for 5p......

 

[SDL69]

Thanks Noddy, Aaron and Mike, you guys are a huge help. I'll try vagcat.com first to get the replacement screw and order a bag od springs. Who knows...the missing spring may still be in the van somewhere or may have just come loose.

It's a real pleasure being part of the VW community with so mnay helpful and supportive people..cheers guys!!

Sean

 

[Bloodaxe]

I found a replacement bolt at a place local to me that specialises in nuts and bolts called Hawk Fasteners Ltd. I had to replace my switch and my existing bolts didn’t fit. Bigger diameter. Took the switch to them and they found a bolt that fitted. I must admit I thought it was a long shot but success.

 

[ozziedog]

I found a replacement bolt at a place local to me that specialises in nuts and bolts called Hawk Fasteners Ltd. I had to replace my switch and my existing bolts didn’t fit. Bigger diameter. Took the switch to them and they found a bolt that fitted. I must admit I thought it was a long shot but success.

When anything like a washing machine or toaster etc is on its way to the tip or rubbish bin at my house, it has to go via my garage for ‘appraisal’ when anything like self tappers or springs or unusual bolts etc etc etc are then removed for recycling into sumfink else after getting stored in boxes upon boxes :roll: Then every twenty to thirty years I’ll have a little look around and junk it if it’s not been used. I did this last year and I can now see parts of the walls again in places :shock: That missing spring in that post from 2009 looks suspiciously like one that you’d find in one of those biros that has four colours in it and four clickety down thingies for the different colours. Mrs Ozziedog has no idea that is where a lot of the crap comes from because I always take stuff down to the back lane as soon as it’s been dispatched from the house on the vague notion that it’ll stay in the back lane until we do a run to the tip or recycling centre it’s called now. I must need some therapy because when I do get to the tip, I’m almost drooling over some of the cast offs in the metal section :roll: Old bikes, pedal cars, lengths of angle iron :shock: :shock: :shock: Mrs Ozziedog sometimes has to call me because I’m stood in everybody’s way just staring Years ago, you could just help yourself and most times I did But not allowed now :? Maybe it’s just as well as I used to come back with nearly as much as I went down there with :lol:

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,wonder how long I’ll be able to see parts of my walls :mrgreen: :mrgreen: