1986 Steering wheel w/ cruise...need repair tips

[stang1986GT]

The steering wheel on my car has the cruise buttons. Under the horn pad, there's a plastic circle with a printed circuit board on it that makes the horn blow and I assume the cruise works through it as well (when the horn stops working, the cruise stops). It appears that there are plastic clips that are made in the steering wheel that keeps this plastic disc against metal on the back side of the wheel retaining nut. Well, on my wheel, these are broken for some reason. The disc doesn't sit tight agaist the metal, causing the horn not to work. (I know it's not a fuse because I can hold the disc up against the metal and when I push the horn pad, the horn blows.

Does anyone have any idea how to fix this? I need to fix it temporarily, as I really need to replace the whole wheel. The wheel grip seems to be worn (all of the texture is gone) and it's like the rubber is sticky or something. Does anyone know if anyone sells new ones with cruise buttons? The last one I saw on Ebay went for $109.00! Not paying anything near that, that's for sure.

Also, my steering column sits crooked for some reason. When you're sitting in the car, the whole column is like sitting to the left side at the top. It doesn't look bent or anything. Looks as if there are four metal brackets that hold the thing in place...anyone else have this problem? The car hasn't been wrecked or anything...looks like I may be able to loosen those brackets and straighten it up, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?

 

[stang1986GT]

Anyone?

 

[joelliott]

For starters check out www.foureyedpride.com for info on all your questions. Just 79-86 stangs.

About the steering, there is a tilt mechinism that comes loose. It allows the colomn to move and wiggle. Mine does it too. Pull the plastic cover off the steering colomn and there will be 4 bolts in a square pattern I think. check them for problems. There is also the bracket under the dash that is near the hood release lever. That might be loose. My 85gt has had that problem as well.

Im not help on the steering wheel. Mine has no cruise. Good luck to ya.
Joe E.

 

[txstang84]

if you wanna keep the cruise and the same wheel type, and don't wanna pay out the wazoo for it, start looking in salvage yards...

if it's just the plastic clips that are broken, and you're looking for a temp fix, have you tried the local Ford dealer's parts dept? they might be able to help...unless the parts have been discontinued...

 

[stang1986GT]

if it's just the plastic clips that are broken, and you're looking for a temp fix, have you tried the local Ford dealer's parts dept? they might be able to help...unless the parts have been discontinued...

Yea, there are plastic clips broken, but they are actually made into the steering wheel, so there's no way to replace them.