Steering Idler Arm Lubrication

[PeterPortugal]

Hi All,

I decided to check my steering idler arm as I was fitting a new steering box and had removed the centre tie rod.

I found the arm to be pitted so it is going on the "to do" list to replace it and the bushing. There are some great posts on removing and refitting the bushing but I am not looking forward to it !

Anyway my specific questions which I think are new??
1) The internal thrust washer was missing - what effect would this have? Of course I will fit a new one when I fit a new arm.
2) After reassembling the old components I connected the grease gun to the nipple and started pumping whilst my 12 year old was busy watching the vent hole in the cap. Well after half emptying a large cannister of grease I was mightily confused as nothing was coming out at the top or bottom of the trunnion. It had to be going somewhere right? Well yes, it was coming out of the hole in the wheelarch where the trunnion is welded to the body. What does this mean? Am I missing a cap for this hole in the body or have I got no bushing left?

Thanks in anticipation and Dr Benz....I am counting on not having to ream that new bushing !!

Regards

Peter

[PeterPortugal]

Come on guys - throw the dog a bone here !!

[Benz Dr.]

I've modified this procedure and now use a slide hammer type of puller to remove the bushing instead of cutting it with a hack saw. Installation method is the same though.

 It sounds like you have a hole in the pipe or tube where the bushing is fitted allowing grease to escape. Never heard of this before but I suppose it could happen since it just did.

[PeterPortugal]

Hi Dan and thanks as always for replying. I am proud that my car managed to conjure up a problem which you have never heard of !!

I am assuming from your reply that having an opening in the frame rail where the trunnion is welded to it is normal and that having grease in this part of the trunnion is not normal. I wasn't sure about this as I did notice another idler arm post where somebody suggested having grease in this area was normal.

I noticed your modified removal/installationprocedure and the use of a screw to install as well. I am clear on this.

Many thanks again.

Peter

[PeterPortugal]

Hi guys,

I finally got round to replacing my idler arm bushing and boy it can be some job. For me the tricky part was removing the old seal and bushing. I tried using the "screw with a 14mm socket method" to pull the old bushing out but it just wasn't having it. I finally resorted to the older technique of hacksawing the bushing first before trying to remove it. This worked.

The screw method worked well to refit the new bushing but my question is how far do I need to insert it? The old one appeared to fit flush with the bottom of the trunnion it fits into but I didn't know if it should be pushed up further - against a shoulder?

Going back to my original post I saw no obvious opening that would allow grease into the circular support which attaches the trunnion to the frame of the vehicle. That is still a mystery. I was hoping that inserting the bushing deeper might cure it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards

Peter