Steering Idler Question

[profcucchi]

I have a 1979 Spider, so do I need a steering idler with teeth or without? Should I get a new arm, as well?

Prices are pricey, but, my mechanic told to me look into one.

Thanks, guys and gals.

[vandor]

Originally your Spider had an idler with splined shaft (with teeth). Because the other one is cheaper I have heard of people taking the arm from a splined shaft and putting it on a new smooth shaft idler. Supposedly once you tighten the nuts it holds it just fine. However I have never done this myself.

There is no need to buy a new arm unless yours is damaged, which is unlikely.

[BEEK]

what we need is a seal for the lower shaft in the oem oiled idler, that seal goes bad, letting all the fish oil out then they sieze up after time, i have many time put new oil in one and made it last years, but a new seal would really help the situation. i have looked years ago for the seal from every manufacturer i could think of, but had no luck.

[profcucchi]

My mechanic took hold of my left tire and was able to jiggle it. He looked back toward the idler and told me that was the issue.

The arm was reusable, but he said I needed a new assembly.

[131]

http://103.15.178.43/forum/viewtopic.ph ... 5e9f35769f

Not a complete solution, but you'll get the idea of what you're up against.

[profcucchi]

Anyone know the difference between the Universal idler and the splined?

Both are splined actually, but the $40 difference doesn't go unnoticed.

[jkn070458]

A few years ago on my 78 spider the idler arm was loose. The bushings that held the shaft in place were wasted top and bottom. I took apart the idler and looked around my shop and found some inner tie rod bushings in the bin that look like they'd fit. The shaft fit perfectly, All I had to do was lathe in a lip which I did on my bench grinder arbor and a pen knife. It was a perfect fix. The bushings are Moog K7349 25 bucks at the parts store.

[vandor]

A '78 originally did not have an idler with bushings. Sounds like someone substituted an idler from a 124 Sedan, or a later Pininfarina Spider, which did have a rubber bush top and bottom. The bushings for those idlers can be bought inexpensively.