Broke my turn signal cancel tab--what am I in for?

[Jameel]

I was installing my new Mitch Leland bushing, and accidentally pushed the steering wheel back on with the signal stalk clicked to the right. One light push reinstalling the wheel and "crack" and I heard it break off. I've never had a signal stalk apart before.Tell me its an easy fix.
(Mitch's pic below from his instructions, with my red arrow)

[john walker's workshop]

Steering wheel off, housing covers off, light switch out and hanging down, unscrew t/s switch and hang down. Clip the related 4 wires off light switch, leaving 2 inches so you know where the new ones go, disconnect the other loom from the firewall plug plus 2 other wires and pull the 2 looms out from under the column. Reassemble in reverse order. 1/2 hour.

[Jameel]

Great info John. So you're saying replace the whole switch?

[proporsche]

hi..yup that is what is John saying.There is no other fix..just replace the combo switch..;-)
ivan

[Jameel]

This is, without a doubt, the most irritating mistake I've made since I've worked on this car. And that includes a full engine rebuild. One tiny, gentle movement with the turn signal stalk engaged, and this entire apparatus is junk. I don't mean to talk down the factory, since I'm no expert, but come on! This tiny piece of plastic for a part that seens TONS of action? How about aluminum? Or brass? I am irritated by this. I am very fastidious about how I work on the car, thinking through every move to prevent breakage, but this is nuts. This is almost like it was purposely designed to break.

[proporsche]

Hi Jameel..just take it easy..i have replaced over 100 turn signal combo-switches or repair them, in my Porsche 911 live ..but..i have never ever seen this piece to be broken unless some one broke it doing something not correctly.....Just get yourself new switch and replace it...

Ivan

btw how did you brake it?

[adias]

Originally Posted by Jameel

This is, without a doubt, the most irritating mistake I've made since I've worked on this car. And that includes a full engine rebuild. One tiny, gentle movement with the turn signal stalk engaged, and this entire apparatus is junk. I don't mean to talk down the factory, since I'm no expert, but come on! This tiny piece of plastic for a part that seens TONS of action? ...

That part is 34 years old and probably brittle with age...

[Jameel]

Originally Posted by proporsche

Hi Jameel..just take it easy..i have replaced over 100 turn signal combo-switches or repair them, in my Porsche 911 live ..but..i have never ever seen this piece to be broken unless some one broke it doing something not correctly.....Just get yourself new switch and replace it...

Ivan

btw how did you brake it?

The stalk was clicked into position (for a right turn--not that it matters) so the little tab was protruding past the switch housing. I went to reinstall the steering wheel and the tab on the cancel ring (attached to the steering wheel hub) just barely touched the tab on the switch. I've had my steering wheel on and off dozens and dozens of times, so I'm always careful about these rather thin plastic components. But I guess this time all the conditions were right for just a little pressure on the little tab to break it off. Two parts are irritating. That we can't just replace this small plastic part, and that it's really fragile to begin with. Of course 34 years does affect the strength. I guess if i were really eager I would drill out the rivets holding this thing together and 3-d print a new part for this. But probably not worth it. Looks like new switches are about $160. Definitely not the most expensive mistake I've made, but definitely the most irritating.

[proporsche]

Oh well sh..happens..just remember do not get rid of the old switch, there are little parts you could eventually use in the future.Mainly the little hockey stick with plastic on top.
Yes ,do not waist your time with 3d..printing..
There is one on ebay for $129..351596315392............

Ivan

[juanbenae]

I did this not too long ago and if you are a man of larger carriage squirrlin around under the dash is a pain. fortunately if you are doing it right the steering wheel is removed...

I'm short, but fat so I was sweating like a verdict was emanate...

[Jameel]

Originally Posted by juanbenae

I did this not too long ago and if you are a man of larger carriage squirrlin around under the dash is a pain. fortunately if you are doing it right the steering wheel is removed...

I'm short, but fat so I was sweating like a verdict was emanate...

Ok. This made me smile. I'm not exactly small myself, so cheers for cheering me up!