Idler arm bushings

[kenham]

The bushings that I removed from the idler arm (57 bird)look like plastic with bearings on top and bottom. The new bushings are press in with rubber inserts similar to the control arm bushings. When pressed into position they are shorter than the ones removed. Anyone know how to fill the space between the bushings and the nut? Washers?
Thanks in advance.
Ken

 

[nomadbird]

kenham,

It sounds like you have a combination of components that sounds suspicious. I will have to ask you a bunch of questions in an attempt to sort this out.

(1) Manual or power steering
(2) Does idler arm have pilots at each end
(3) Is idler arm 1-5/8 long
at each end (shoulder to end of thread)
(4) Is idler arm bracket an elaborate forged or cast part, or is it a simple "L" bracket

From what you have disclosed thus far; it sounds like you might possibly have had an aftermarket ball bearing idler arm kit on your car. These were popular on manual steering cars. If that is the case, you will have to start by obtaining a proper idler arm/ bushing kit from one of the suppliers.

The late '50s and early '60s were overrun with unscrupulous front end alignment scams. Your car may have been one of the millions of victims.

Tom

 

[kenham]

Hi Tom, The idler arm is 2 3/8" on one end and 3" on the other. The car is power steering with a cast bracket. The car is also an early 57. I don't know what "pilots" are. The threaded part of the arm is slotted for cotter pins, however with these bushings the nut would go well below the cotter pin holes.
Ken

 

[nomadbird]

Unfortunately, I don't have a power steering idler arm off of a car to validate your description. I'm not going to trust memory either. Your idler arm bracket sounds proper for a power steering car.

Page 27 of Concours Parts & Accessories in Carson City, has some good pictures of idler arms and bushings for both manual & power steering.
Otherwise, all I can recommend, is to follow the instructions in the shop manual on pages 5-26, 5-27, and 5-28.

Keep us posted, Tom

 

[kenham]

Hi Tom, I checked the catalog, the idler arm and bushings are the same as the one
3352-PSR. I will check the shop manual.
Ken

 

[kenham]

Tom, I checked the manual, it says to assemble with "washers", I put a flat washer on the both ends of the bushings and that seems to have solved the problem. It is solid and turns easily. I think you are right about the old bearing type bushings being after market. Thanks for the advice.
Ken

 

[nomadbird]

Kenham,

I wasn't aware of the ball bearing idler arm kits ever being used on a power steering car. But why not?
Live & learn. Those kits are still available for the tri-five Chevy folks.

Tom