steering idler

[chapelfarm]

I recently took the top off my steering idler to see whether there was any oil in it (steering seems to be awfully heavy at low speed). There were three shims in it wit hthe top (very thuin) shim crumpled and a bit iof a mess. I put it back together including the crumpled shim and it seems just the same. Any advice about how to set clearances / choose shims /check oil levels / what oil to use / etc???

Thanks

 

[Dave Russell]

I think that the normal way to set idler end float is with the gasket thickness. They are available (sometimes) in .005", .010", & .020" thicknesses. Since the lid & shaft top are bearing surfaces, I wouldn't expect a shim between them to last very long. With the idler free to move vertically, set the gasket thickness to give about .003" to .005" end float.
D

 

[John Loftus]

I rebuilt my idler with a new oil seal, bushing, gaskets and foam dust ring. I honed the bushing ID to size although using an adjustable reamer would have been easier. Anyway, I crept up on the size until it was a smooth fit. Upon reassembly I noted that one paper cover gasket would cause binding when the top was bolted down. I cut an additional paper gasket which turned out to be just the right amount of clearance for my setup. I used STP oil treatment for the oil and have not had any leaks. There is a filler plug on the top cover which is used to add or check the oil. Just fill'er up. If your oil seal at the bottom is bad you will see a nice puddle under the car by the next morning!

Cheers,
John

 

[Keoke]

Hello Chappel Farms, there should be no shims inside the steering Idler.The idler end float is set by selecting the joint Washers to provide no end float while enabling the shaft to turn freely. Originally the joint washer was alayered type so you simply peeled a layer off at a time to set the idler shaft fit.I do not think that type joint is available any more.We take different thickness card paper to make the joint washers and using a trial and error scheme set the shaft as defined earlier.Standard Hypoid 90 weight oil is ok as is Lucas 90W.__Cheers---Keoke

 

[chapelfarm]

Many thanks for all the advice - I'll have a play with it as soon as work allows (!) and report back.

 

[stever]

After you re-install the ideler, don't forget to adjust the Wheel alignment (toe-in).