Motorcycle Repair: turn signal switch on vtx 1800c, honda shop, salvage yard

Question
Mark,
I was changing my stock switch housings on my 02 vtx1800c from original to chrome.  On the turn signal switch there is a small hole with a spring which the end of the turn switch lever fits against.  There is something that I think goes over the spring that evidently got dropped.  It goes between the "v" on the end of the lever and the spring and provides the tension on the lever.  The local Honda shop said  they think  what goes there is a ball bearing but that I would have to order the whole switch housing with all the switches to get it. (75.00). They weren't really sure though.  The Honda parts sheet on this only shows the complete housing and all the switches.  I took the switch housing apart on my concrete driveway and if something dropped out it is probably still there but I don,t know exactly what I am looking for.  Are you familiar with this switch and if so could you enlighten me as to what it was that I dropped and if I can't find it is it something I can buy locally or fabricate relatively easy.  Thank you very much for your time.

Chip Olin
cdaeolin@aol.com

Answer
Hi Chip,

I'm not familar with that specific assembly.

A spring and ball bearing are often found together in switch assemblies. If no ball bearing, there may be a small piece of copper or tin in place of the ball.

You may find a less expensive housing on Ebay or a MC salvage yard.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively