Idler Arm

[azygoustoyou]

I took my Idler arm apart today and it was "EMPTY" except for a little sludge.
For everyone that hasn't seen inside one, here are pic's. It is real easy to take the top off and fill. If you haven't check you fluid level lately, I suggest you do. Just take the three allen key head bolts off and fill to the top. Make sure the top is clean too and put the bolts back. Take the center bolt off and fill the top. Put the center bolt back on. That's all you need to do.

[manoa matt]

Thanks for posting Brady, exactly what I've been telling everyone for a while now. Only to be meet with resistance: "but the factory manuals state only the center bolt." The manuals are wrong. As a matter of fact, in order to completely fill it to the proper level so the valve plate actually functions it needs to be removed from the car. In the car the installed angle will prevent the lower chamber from being completely filled.

[WYSpider]

Matt, we want to use differential oil in the idler correct? And the same for the steering box?

[ace124]

You want to use 90W oil in the steering box, but Automatic transmission fluid in the idler. Hydraulic fluid that is. 90W is too thick for the idler. And make sure you do as above and take it out and fill it to the top.

[azygoustoyou]

You know, I called Mark and asked what to put in the idler and forgot what he said. I guess I better take out the 90W oil and put the right stuff in. At least I didn't tighten it down yet.
This is an example of why to concentrate on one part at a time.

[donerehart]

Ok...dumb question...where in the world is the idler arm? I can't even find mine. I didn't know there even was such a thing. I'll bet mine is empty though... I can find the steering box no problem...but the idler arm? I don't see anything that looks like Brady's pic...
Thanks for educating me once again...
Don

[azygoustoyou]

It's on the opposite side as the steering box near the firewall but on the pass. side frame under the coolant reservoir beneath your header. Sorry I couldn't stop.

[azygoustoyou]

I just put in about half ATF and the rest motor oil and what a difference it makes with the ease of movement.
Just don't look in the little hole in the top and move the arm. Don't ask me why. Close call.

[donerehart]

I can't believe it...it was actually full and when I took the top off oil leaked out. It was in the shop for 8 months and they must have checked it - it all looked fresh! Now I need to go to autozone and get some fluid to put in top bolt to replace what I just drained... Thanks for educating me once again... good stuff.
Don

[azygoustoyou]

Just throw a little motor oil in the top. No need for a trip unless your taking the spider for a road trip. Boy I can't wait.

[seabeelt]

Brady, My guess is that if your steering box was empty that the seals need to be replaced. Silly question, but I didn't see in the post if you had done that prior to refilling with 90W.
r/

[azygoustoyou]

The steering box wasn't MT. Just the Ider Arm.

[seabeelt]

My Bad on the terminology, Did yo have to replace any seals on the idler?

[azygoustoyou]

No they looked good.

[nbcobra]

New owner first post. I am replacing my idler along wt the rest of the front end, 1980 with one from Vic's that does not have any apparent seals or reservoir just 2 large washers one top and one bottom covering the roller bearings inside. Do I need to grease this before I install it. My gut says yes. Thanks