Thanks for that, I managed to get it off, clean up the slip ring (no more smoke from housing) and best of all replacing the stalk has cured the click, click , click of the indicator relay at random times.
I have just sorted this problem on my wifes Lupo. The hazard/indicator relay clicks away almost none stop without actualy putting the indicators on at all. Just click click click etc.......... I also had smoke coming out of the sterring wheel housing yesterday, so I thought they might be linked, and its about time I sorted it. Taking the sterring wheel off, the cause of the smoke was a build up of fluff/hair etc on the copper slip ring behind the steering wheel. I cleaned this up. As for the clicking the fix was to Replace the Indicator Stalk. 100% sorted.
I need to replace my indicator stalk, and I believe the steering wheel has to come off. Has anyone done this themselves, and if so how easy is it/how do you do it. I assume the airbag will have to come off (with battery disconnected of course).