Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: kcl on 18 May 2009, 20:55:24

Title: Steering Idler
Post by: kcl on 18 May 2009, 20:55:24
How do you determine if it needs to be replaced? I was checking for any play in fron wheels and I have a feeling that there was play in idler. It kind a moves when I rock the wheel in 3-9 direction... Nothing I can feel, but I can see it.. Seems abnormal to me, but I have never before had a car with a box-steering so it's new to me how it should feel and look like.

I do have some trouble with the car going straight, so that might tell there's play in idler (all other joints and wishbones are rather new)
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: TheBoy on 18 May 2009, 21:03:19
any vertical play if you grab the arm
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: largecol on 18 May 2009, 21:03:43
Does it feel like theres a kind of `blind spot` in the steering where it almost feels disconnected. Mine felt like that and needed constant correction in a straight line. It was the idler on mine , but you could actually see the freeplay. Spot on once new idler was fitted.  :y
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: kcl on 18 May 2009, 21:14:10
Will re-check in a day or two. Cheap enough to replace and eliminate. Is there anything to add to the how-to?
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: Ghost on 18 May 2009, 21:27:09
Yep. Watch your fingers, the ball joint is a sod to get off. I Had to get a splitting tool to do mine. Look for the thred ball joint from hell. ;) it might help a bit.
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: HerefordElite on 18 May 2009, 21:31:32
Quote
Will re-check in a day or two. Cheap enough to replace and eliminate. Is there anything to add to the how-to?


difficult to get apart but perservere ;) - when putting it back together the tapper will rotate so i advise putting a jack under it to apply pressure to get it to grip so you can tighten nut :y
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: tmx on 18 May 2009, 22:10:34
WIM diagnosed my idler its on its way out i was told they told me the car will wonder abit but i havent had any problems as of yet
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: Seth on 18 May 2009, 22:11:36
Quote
any vertical play if you grab the arm

Yep - 'end float' in the chassis-mounted swivel bit!
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: HerefordElite on 18 May 2009, 22:42:52
Quote
WIM diagnosed my idler its on its way out i was told they told me the car will wonder abit but i havent had any problems as of yet


might fail the mot though Tom (like mine did) ::)
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: kcl on 19 May 2009, 07:15:12
I've been quoted a separate idler bush, is it of any use to replace just the bush or should I change the whole idler arm? The bush is the one that wears, isn't it?
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: Seth on 19 May 2009, 11:46:48
Quote
I've been quoted a separate idler bush, is it of any use to replace just the bush or should I change the whole idler arm? The bush is the one that wears, isn't it?

Personally, I'd change the complete idler assembly.

From memory, you'll need a press to change the bush, and by the time you take all this into account you might as well just change it complete. Be done with it, so to speak!
Title: Re: Steering Idler
Post by: kcl on 19 May 2009, 13:02:55
New idler it is then  :y Does anyone have the correct torques available?