Indicator stalk repair

I had a problem recently with my mk1, the wipers worked fine but when pulling back to wash them, sometimes they would work, sometimes the wipers would go but no water, and sometimes i'd get nothing!

So I went about having a look, and write this incase anyone else has a problem.

to take the steering wheels off (non-airbag cars) first disconnect the battery, then pull the horn centre off. its a bit stiff but doesnt just pull off. you will then see 2 connections for the horn these just pull out. You will then need a socket to remove the steering wheel. remembering what postion it was in for when you put it back!

it is helpfull at this point to undo 2 screws under the steering column and removing the plastic surround to expose the wires and ignition barrel.

there are then 3 long screws holding the 2 stalks in place, undo these.

the wires just pull off at the back again these can be a bit still. Once off i could see that there are 2 connections when you pull the stalk back one for the wipers and one for the water.. these were no longer connecting when the stalk was fitted. simply bend slightly so they dont have so far to travel to connect, then re fit! job done 

Well so i thought.. I put the wheel back on and went out, then noticing my indicators no longer self cancelled, i took apart again and couldnt see what was wrong.. nothing on the net, and people said "just buy a new one".. i preffer fixing things! Anyway with no way of telling how the mechanism worked i was forced to buy a new one, and within seconds of looking at it realised how to fix the old.

there is a white peace of plastic which pops out (pic 1) when indicating, an notch on the steering wheel hits this as its turn as cancels them (pic2) the reason mine wasnt working is the flat bit of metal about 35mm X 4mm, (indicated with the red line) had popped out, which i found in the footwell. i slid this back in and now all working!!

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