Does this happen more often than I think?

[ELVA164]

So I let my mom borrow my car for a day, and I got it back looking like this:



She said she went to switch the high beams off and it just fell off into her hand. When I took the stalk out to replace it, I saw that it snapped at its thinnest point where the wires enter it.

My question is this: Are the stalks fragile, or do people just beat the crap out of them? I don't see any reason to be violent with it, I think it works and feels really good.

[rav320uk]

Looking at the pic, it looks like it's rusted where it has cracked before.

[MrBurgundy]

I think it's just a matter of time before those things go. I figured 20+ years of use would take its toll on that.

[F34R]

I have never seen this before, I always remove older ones for a lesser used one. I love the solid click when you use it.

[reelizmpro]

Never heard of this happening before. She must be strong. Is she a lefty?

[iansane]

I'm not sure whether I feel sorry for your dad or envy him.

[ELVA164]

Looking at the pic, it looks like it's rusted where it has cracked before.

There was a tiny bit of rust, it must have been cracked from a PO's abuse and she was unlucky enough to get the final break.

I have never seen this before, I always remove older ones for a lesser used one. I love the solid click when you use it.

That's my favorite part too! Unfortunately, the only one I had on hand is bent down and doesn't click well...and doesn't cancel high beams well...:(

Never heard of this happening before. She must be strong. Is she a lefty?

I'm not sure about her strength, but I'm actually the only lefty in the family

[iamsam]

[TurboJake]

I've seen it happen. Persons hand slipped off the wheel, caught the stalk and snapped it clean off. It really isn't that difficult.

Nearly hit a tree at the same time. But I grabbed the wheel and prevented that outcome.

[ELVA164]

picturr

So if you press the screw in, does it still control the OBC? :p

[Pl3wA]

my cruise control is the same way :/

[Kershaw]

So if you press the screw in, does it still control the OBC? :p

hahahaha

[txtorquemade]

I've done this, twice. Two different e30s. Once when the car was relatively new, only 3-4 years old. They be fragile for sure.

[ELVA164]

Were both of your cars early models? Mine is an '87 and the replacement stalk is out of an '86; I wonder if they changed anything for the later models...

[davem]

This happened to my '91 with the obc switch, they're hollow due to the harness. fucking pissed me off!