Chunk of lead behind horn on steering wheel?

[sirhk100]

So, I've had this clunking noise in my steering column and I finally pulled the thing apart. I pulled off the horn cover assembly and right behind it(where you sould actually push on the wheel to honk it) There was this HUGE "Y" shaped piece of lead with three rubber prongs that you can tell used to attach it to the plate that actually bolts the steering wheel on. It was just laying in there. What's it for? Do I need it? I'm gonna go reasemble the thing without it and see if my horn and everything still work. I honestly don't care if it doesn't I just don't want this banging thing bouncing around in there when I make u turns...

This is on a '92 Exploder with cruise...

 

[onelasttry]

why not leave it there as it was intended and dampen it with some cotton or cloth?

 

[sirhk100]

I would but it looks like it was held on with three little rubber nubs that looked to be vulcanized on and they've broke off. I don't know how to secure it...

 

[lonestar]

It may have been used to make contact for the horn. It was atached to the wheel and when you push it it, it makes contact.

Not worried about horn, remove it

or super glue it back

 

[sirhk100]

I did end up pulling it out and the horn and everything still works fine. I don't know what it was for but it's gone now!!

 

[lonestar]

hmmm.
it was a counterweight to balance the steering wheel

 

[Joey P]

Remove it. I think it is just known as a steering wheel damper. I think it makes the jolts that come up through the steering shaft after you hit a bump less of a jolt, or something. I removed mine on my old '92 and never had any problems with operation.

 

[Sallad420]

How heavy was it? You would think it would have to have some weight to it, if it is to act as a damper.

 

[sirhk100]

Yup, I drove it yesterday and didn't notice any difference... I don't have ascale but I'd guess it's 2 pounds or so...