Steering Idler

[geospider]

This has been done here before I am sure. I have read the posts (prob older) Thanks Jay for the one complete discussion on servicing.
I have just removed and cleaned mine ('79 2000). All nice, clean and pretty. I have refilled and closed it up. I am curious how stiff it should feel. Currently on bench and not installed, turning the idler arm feels pretty stiff to me, but not sure how stiff it should feel.
any help out there?

Thanks,

geo

[baltobernie]

It's pretty stiff. The quicker you try to move it, the stiffer it is. You didn't change the orientation of the rubber wipers, did you?

[geospider]

thanks for response.
Nope, didn't change them. didn't even take them out. I know that the seals are impossible to find, so went for a good cleaning and new oil. right now, fairly stiff with a "soft spot" somewhere mid range, assume air maybe.

[geospider]

As I believe Roller and Jay have stated: this is a really cool part. BUT: mine leaks, probably enough to go ahead and get the bearing version. I wish the lower seal was avail. I know there's a cool rebuild post on here, but I am not that handy. has anyone taken the bottom apart and just cleaned the seal and then had it work? I know, it is very old, but when clean and pretty it just so cool.

I'll start another post on the steering box. with centerlink off, there is about 1/2 play in pitman arm: OK ??? or just tighten up the adjustment and will be fine?

geo

[Frog2Spider]

This has been done here before I am sure. I have read the posts (prob older) Thanks Jay for the one complete discussion on servicing.
I have just removed and cleaned mine ('79 2000). All nice, clean and pretty. I have refilled and closed it up. I am curious how stiff it should feel. Currently on bench and not installed, turning the idler arm feels pretty stiff to me, but not sure how stiff it should feel.
any help out there?

Thanks,

geo

geospider,
On my '81, there were 4 very small steel ball bearings that work as valves. They are spring loaded. I could move 3 of them, but the 4th. had no spring behind it and sunk in its hole. I was told that the operation of all 4 of these valves was imperative to the correct operation of the idler. As they are basically unserviceable, I installed a new style ball-bearing type.
Maybe something to check.
Dave.

[djape1977]

throw it away and install aftermarket ball bearing type. it's a big improovement

[geospider]

thanks guys.
new one ordered

[geospider]

do you really need a puller to get the arm off the idler. very tight.

ongoing question about the gearbox.
the pitman arm has about 1/2 play side to side: all linkage off. hoping just adjustment fixes this

[baltobernie]

do you really need a puller to get the arm off the idler.

Yes.

[geospider]

actually installed something today. a very different experience from the past month. longer story than this post.
New idler on the car: more of a linkage piece than a dampner. really no resistance.
now i can start putting the rest of the steering and suspension together.

Oh, Yeah: and replace the newly machined head and everything else.

my AR springs and Konis have been sitting on the bench mocking me.

Geo