Steering Idler Fluid Change

[4uall]

[BammBamm]

who carries the replacement oring for the cover? I didnt see it on the AR site.

[4uall]

can be found anywhere however, I don't think you would need to replace as they are not exposed or worn.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/419pc-Universal ... 82&vxp=mtr

[Frog2Spider]

I found this thread and decided to open up my idler and see what it looked like. It was basically empty, but for a very small amount of a black light tar like stuff, that I cleaned out.
After cleaning and inspecting the top (not the cap) I found that 2 of the ball valves have no spring action.

Oh, oh, what do I do now?
Help!

Dave.

[RRoller123]

I bet the can be loosened up with a good cleaning and some solvent!

[MattiR]

Thanks for great info and photos.
The idler in my -71 has hardened rubber seal in the bottom, and oil comes out quite quickly. I heard it could be softened back by soaking in liquid soap. Any good advice where to find new suitable rubber seal? I think usual o-ring will not work there due to continous movement.

[MattiR]

After some search I found the answer :
Honda oil seal (part#90754-147-003, 19X30.5X7mm)

This forum is just awesome!!!

[DieselSpider]

I cleaned mine out and refilled it with a thicker gear lube and that has held for almost 3 years now.

Nice to know if it requires a new seal there is an equivalent available from Honda.

[PhillySpider]

This has hit my to do list...anyone have an opinion on bar chain oil as a replacement lube (chainsaw stuff). We've never had non-power steering before this car so i really don't know what "normal" feels like. I do know that my wife has a bear of a time turning the wheel at parking lot speed, so if this is a solution I'm all over it.

[DieselSpider]

Steering will always be heavy while stopped especially when a foot is on the brake pedal. Having the idler lubed will prevent some creaking and make it a little smoother/easier but won't make it a one finger drive when the car is stopped. Some folks have actually snapped the arm off the idler or pulled its mounting bolts through the frame when its run dry and is binding.

Bar oil is usually just a cheap 30 weight motor oil and better than nothing however there are better choices out there.

[PhillySpider]

Steering will always be heavy while stopped especially when a foot is on the brake pedal. Having the idler lubed will prevent some creaking and make it a little smoother/easier but won't make it a one finger drive when the car is stopped. Some folks have actually snapped the arm off the idler or pulled its mounting bolts through the frame when its run dry and is binding.

Bar oil is usually just a cheap 30 weight motor oil and better than nothing however there are better choices out there.

My local auto store had Car Quest or Valvoline High Performance 80w 90, so I went with the Valvoline for the extra buck .
I'm happy to report back that at a complete stop there is a noticeable difference, but certainly not a one finger driver. At parking lot speed it's much smoother and easier as well.

Highly recommend all to have a look at this!

[maxdog]

Decided to celebrate Spring in Montreal by checking the steering idler and steering box oil levels .I took the top off the idler but the top plate with the valves won't come out . So far i've used calibrated violence with a little hide headed hammer , but no luck . What s the next step ? On an old British car I would resort to using a "medium Birmingham screw driver" [heavy steel hammer ], but Fiats are more delicate machines ??
Thanks for your suggestions
Maxdog .

[samakijoe]

maxdog; I would go at it with an exacto blade (the flat square one) if there is room given the type of exhaust manifold you have. Just the blade and a really small hammer. All you need to do is separate the two parts just a little. A good spot to do this is the area where the screws were. Don't go in too deep or you will cut the "O" ring. Then it should come off easy.

Now you need to tell us how you got your name. I hope you are not the guy we see all the time on YouTube giving a cop a hard time after a traffic stop.