Steering Idler and Fluid

[RRoller123]

I assume that this is the steering idler arm, over low under the exhaust side? And that it is filled through the bolt on the top. Do we use the same fluid as in the steering box?

Pete

[donm]

Yes, that's the idler, Pete, and in order to properly fill it, first you have to remove the 3 allen screws and lift off the top half of the unit. Fill the bottom half as much as you can so the paddles are partially submerged, put it back together and then remove the top screw and fill that area. I use the same oil that's in the steering box. I think it's 90w.

[RRoller123]

Excellent! Thanks Don. BTW: Due to my radiator catastrophe, I will not be able to make tomorrow's Cruise Night in MIllis. I think the forecast is for lots of rain anyway.

Pete

[natalburga78]

I read this a few d ago, so I added fluid to iddle arm and the gear box of my spider. A lot of fluid went in and I wondered why so much?? Yesterday, I found a small size puddle of oil on the floor in both sides of the car and it seems to be coming from the bottom of the iddle and the bottom of the gear box respectively. Is there any way to get new seals for these two?
I think now I understand why my steering wheel was so hard to turn. Thanks guys

[scarlson]

Seals and parts for the steering box are available. I haven't seen any seals for the idler. Last I checked vendors just sell replacement idlers that do not have the hydraulic dampener built in.

The seal on the bottom of the idler is solid rubber and held in place by a crimp on the end by the factory. I compressed the seal to stop it leaking by carefully hammering the crimp down a bit. The arm has to be removed to get at the seal. An impact wrench and then a puller work best. If you try this, take your time. The metal is thin and will crack easily. Don't hammer in towards the shaft. Just tap it down a little. It doesn't take much to stop the leak.

[vandor]

What I have done with idlers that won't stop leaking is to drill holes in the paddles and semi fill them with wheel bearing grease. The thicker grease won't run out, but it will lubricate the insides so it does not lock up. The holes in the paddles ensure that the grease can move from compartment to compartment as the steering is turned.
The dampening function is lost, but cars with un-dampened idlers drive just fine (some were not dampened from the factory).

[natalburga78]

Thank you guys for the advice. I will try the tapping technique first and see how it goes.
I will keep you posted.

[djape1977]

Seals and parts for the steering box are available. I haven't seen any seals for the idler. Last I checked vendors just sell replacement idlers that do not have the hydraulic dampener built in.

lada parts again. ladas have idler without hydraulic damper.

[vandor]

> ladas have idler without hydraulic damper.

And so did many Fiats.

[djape1977]

ones wih PWR steering don't have hydraulic damper cause they don't need it. was there a 124 wit PWR steering?