M38A1 Horn Rod

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 12:33 pm

Have a couple questions about the horn rod installation. I was trying to put the rod back in last night and no matter how I moved it around in the steering shaft, I could get it go down the last six inches or so. I did not do any work to the steering box so I would think it should go back in rather easily. What am I missing? Just the hole?

Also, when I take the rod back out, I see oil on the last three inches. Without it being seated all the way. Is there supposed to be oil in the shaft/steering tube? If not, what is allowing the oil to get in there?

I tried searching comments on this and found a couple but they were not related to these questions. I also looked on Wes' photo album and see nothing about this subject. And of course the tech manual. Any ideas...anybody?

Mike

jeepers52 · Post by **jeepers52** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 1:42 pm

Hello
You described what just happened to me about 6 months ago. Reading everything I could, the only way to put the rod back into place is from the bottom. Remove the horn switch and run the rod form the bottom. I have heard of some folks being able to do it from the top, but it must have been some kind of luck to get into the small tube at the bottom of the shaft. Good Luck

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:07 pm

You can get the rod in, it just takes forever. You have to play around to finally get it in the small hole on the bottom.

rdsar2k · Post by **rdsar2k** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 4:31 pm

I have done it recently and repeatedly. It is a patience thing. In and out over and over until success. Tempted to insert another word for success but keeping in clean.

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:48 pm

There was a tip in PS magazine that described placing a disc on the rod that is the same size as the inside diameter of the steering tube. That then will keep the horn rod centered. Should make the job easier from the top (but I have not yet tried it. I always insert it from the bottom).
Kendall

Post by **wesk** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:03 pm

You weld a large diameter washer about half way down the rod. This will help keep the rod end at the bottom close to the center of the tube.

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:57 am

Thanks very much for the tips and reinforcement that I am not alone.

Wes...any idea about whether oil should be in the tube?

Post by **wesk** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 12:56 pm

Oil should not be in the mast tube. Oil should be up to the filler plug on the gear box only.