BJ8 Steering Idler Assembly

[shorn]

The Idler assembly in my phase 1 BJ8 was replaced by the PO. When I was lubing the car recently, I noticed that the idler has a grease nipple on it rather than a plug. I know the Haynes manual suggests Castrol Hypoy, the same as for the steering gear box and rear axle. But I assume that since it has a grease nipple, someone has lubed it with grease at one time, probably many times since the idler was replaced years ago. My questions are: does anyone know if replacement idler assemblies come with a grease nipple and should grease be used in them? Or would I be better off still using hypoy gear oil? What about the grease that has no doubt been used before in the idler?

 

[Keoke]

Hi Shorn, the early cars came with grease nipples.However, the later cars were changed to plugs at the top.Both Idlers are similar and you have the option of replacing the top or obtaining a later model idler. If it is worn and you plan to rebush it you might elect to get the later top.-FWIW---Keoke AS an after thought you can simply replace the grease fitting with a proper sized plug and refill the idler with Lucas 140 Gear oil.

 

[John Loftus]

Shorn,

When I would add oil to my idler I had a nice puddle on the garage floor the next day. The oil was obviously just passing through. I could feel and see slop when tugging on the idler lever with the car up on stands. You might check to see if you can feel any play in yours and/or try the oil puddle test to see if the clearances are shot. I doubt that mixing grease with oil will be a problem. These things just move back and forth during steering, they don't heat up or spin rpm's.

I ended up rebuilding the unit with new bushings. I didn't have the proper reamer for the bushings so just crept up on it with a brake hone on a drill press until I had the right fit. I used STP oil treatment when I filled mine and it has been leak free. My thinking at the time was that it had a thick syrup type consistancy to minimize the leaking much like the Penrite steering box lube (which I hear is even thicker). Obviously grease would be one step thicker but probably not needed if the bushes are in good shape.

Another thing to consider is the gasket under the top plate. By adding/removing gaskets you tune the amount of pressure on the top of the Idler shaft. One gasket was too tight for mine and would start to bind. Two gaskets was just right. I think the manual covers this adjustment.

Cheers,
John

 

[stever]

I had a leak similar to John above and just replaced the seal. Had to remove from the car (be sure to reset toe-in-out if you remove/replace...). My bushes were OK as I didn't feel any slop and just as I said replaced the seal. Doesn't leak now.