[T3] Horn Issue

[John Jaranson]

> On Feb 14, 2026, at 1:57 PM, Jim Adney <jadney at vwtype3.org> wrote:
> 
> That's interesting. There's nothing wrong with having a metal bushing in 
> there. It's important to have something that keeps the bolts from completely 
> crushing the rubber. I assume those special washers meet in the middle to 
> limit the crush.
> 
> I believe the OG part had canvas molded into the middle of the rubber part, 
> to give it the extra strength it needs. Does this one also have the imbedded 
> fabric? I'd be reluctant to use it if it didn't.
> 

You are correct, Jim.  The originals had a fabric layer or two that were overloaded with the rubber.  Here is a shot that you can see the layers of fabric where the rubber has crumbled. 

https://www.carartbyjohn.com/SophyUpdates/VWSteeringJoint.jpg

This layer makes it a composite and much stringer and crack resistant with aprogressive failure mode.  Without the fabric, any crack growth would be rapid and catastrophic.

Like you, I would be reluctant to use one that doesn’t have this layer.  Also, the CB Performance part that Max posted a picture of looks to have some surface cracks already and some serious knit lines were the rubber flowed around the bolt holes.  The solid urethane ones that are sold are likely no better.  I would be more comfortable using a decent original used one…hopefully in better shape than the one I posted a picture of…than any of the new ones without the inner layer.

I also agree that the metal, anti-crush bushings are both important and not a problem in themselves for creating an electrical path.  It is interesting that the one Max tested had a conductive path.  I winder what additives are In the rubber or urethane that makes it so.   Hmmmm….

John