Trying to fill up the idler as I'm not sure if it has any oil in it as my steering box was bone dry. Is this tiny hole the fill plug, if so that's crazy . It took the pin out prior to taking the pic hence why its not there. Do I need to take that round plate off to fill it up completely. I took the nut off but not sure how the round plate comes up, I noticed it had a rubber seal and didn't want to tear it by prying it up?
I believe that is the newer design idler that is not oil filled. Doesn't look like mine at all (mine is oil filled). Is it binding or something? Why do you think it needs lube?
Steering isn't binding but has some play. Filled the steering box up as it had no oil so thought maybe the idler was low too but now I know it doesn't take oil. Thanks guys!
I would suggest replacing your braided automatic transmission cooler hoses in the picture; they look original. A few years ago on my 1979, I had to replace the idler and had to temporarily move the hoses out of the way; they started leaking afterwards. I had to get my local auto parts store, who could make up high pressure hydraulic hoses for large trucks, to make some re-using the ends. They have worked well (no braid so are slightly larger in diameter); they came as a blue cloth over the hose so I spray painted them black so as to look better. Nobody supplied total replacements back then and I don't think anyone offers them now (Vicks, IAP, and others should).
Warren
Sylacauga Alabama
1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
1974 Dodge Dart Sport Hang 10 (in restoration)
Multiple other cars, trucks, and boats
Warren wrote:I would suggest replacing your braided automatic transmission cooler hoses in the picture; they look original. A few years ago on my 1979, I had to replace the idler and had to temporarily move the hoses out of the way; they started leaking afterwards. I had to get my local auto parts store, who could make up high pressure hydraulic hoses for large trucks, to make some re-using the ends. They have worked well (no braid so are slightly larger in diameter); they came as a blue cloth over the hose so I spray painted them black so as to look better. Nobody supplied total replacements back then and I don't think anyone offers them now (Vicks, IAP, and others should).
Gotta look into that. Would be nice if the usual vendors offered new lines.
. It took the pin out prior to taking the pic hence why its not there. Do I need to take that round plate off to fill it up completely. I took the nut off but not sure how the round plate comes up, I noticed it had a rubber seal and didn't want to tear it by prying it up? 
