Steering Idler Oil

ITA124 · Post by **ITA124** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 4:25 am

Hi All,

I have all the steering components on the bench and am servicing the idler. I put 90 grade oil in it and it is as stiff as buggery to move from one side to the other. A friend here in Aus used automatic transmission oil. The workshop manual does not provide a specification.

What's the consensus on the grade of oil to use?

Cheers,
Paul

RRoller123 · Post by **RRoller123** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 5:20 am

90W should be fine, it is likely something else causing the stiffness. I run 90 in mine with no problems at all.

DieselSpider · Post by **DieselSpider** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 6:25 am

is it creaking or just exhibiting dampening? I thought the point of the oil filled ones was to dampen the impact of bumps and such from causing jittery steering.

spider2081 · Post by **spider2081** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 8:35 am

I believe most are putting the same oil in the idler as is called for in the steering box. My manual states steering box gets
SEA 90 EP oil.

ITA124 · Post by **ITA124** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 3:14 pm

Thanks All,

No creaking as the idler moves freely with no oil. I'll give the valve body another clean to make sure the ball valves are moving to their full open position to allow the oil to pass through.

Failed to mention this is for a road/race car that demands fast steering input, so dampening road feedback is not a concern.

spider2081 · Post by **spider2081** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 3:27 pm

I think to service it you have to disassemble it. The cover and valve body have to be removed, the vanes and lower chamber cleaned. Then that chamber gets filled before the valve plate is replaced. Then after the cover is replaced the area above the valve plate gets a little more oil.

Haven't done one in a few years and not much written on them. I think someone in Australia posted a rebuild with photos here but I can't find it.

ITA124 · Post by **ITA124** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 3:45 pm

spider2081 wrote:I think someone in Australia posted a rebuild with photos here but I can't find it.

I fully dismantled it, reassembled and refilled it in the same manner described. No leaks.

Here is a link to Con's idler rebuild. Auto trans oil used here. Which is my inclination to go.

http://www.turbo124.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11281

spider2081 · Post by **spider2081** » Sat Apr 04, 2015 6:52 pm

My concern with the tranny fluid is the black wipers or vanes in mine were something like a carbon material. I was worried the transmission fluid might attack the material.

There is another repair post around where the bottom bushing was remade similar to you link but a little more detailed. Not sure what oil he used.

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