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Author Topic: Help! Can't remove steering idler  (Read 885 times)

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Damonsal

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Help! Can't remove steering idler
« on: 14 June 2007, 19:58:16 »
Hi All

I am trying to replace the steering idler as it has failed the MOT. Following the maintenance guide procedure I can get off the pivot side however the ball joint side wont budge. I have tried hammers, breaker bars but it just won’t come out of the joint.  I have a ball joint puller but that’s no good either, wont fit.. (I dont want to damage the ball joint)
Anyone got any ideas or an easy way to remove one like this?

Cheers
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Dave-C

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #1 on: 14 June 2007, 20:03:51 »
What kind of splitter have you got....  the fork ones are a bit hit and miss and really for certain types of jobs,  you can't beat the clamp type, where you tighten the bolt and it pushes the joint shaft out...

DC
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Damonsal

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #2 on: 14 June 2007, 20:09:04 »
I have the clamp type, however because there is no clearance between the steering idler and the ball joint I cant fit the splitter..  :(
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Dave-C

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #3 on: 14 June 2007, 20:16:02 »
Oh!  sounds well frozen....  have you tried some heat on it??  Plus Gas, soak it overnight!!  Maybe try the fork type if you can get a swing at it..

Good Luck

DC
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hotel21

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #4 on: 14 June 2007, 20:33:12 »
Not been down there for a play for a while, so cannot recall the setup exactly from memory....

Could you not remove the other end of the rod then unbold the assembly to give clearance for the splitter where needed??  Heat would melt the boot, so would advise care....
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TheBoy

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #5 on: 14 June 2007, 21:14:25 »
I use fork type on that one, no room for the screw type...
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Marks DTM Calib

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #6 on: 14 June 2007, 21:27:46 »
I dont use a splitter.....turn the idler so its inline with the link rod....drive a wedge firmly in between the idler and the link rod....using two hammers, simultaneously hit the idler arm on opposite sides where the the ball joint passes through it.....start off gently and increase the blows as you get the hang of the swing (noting the other components nearby).

This always works for me......
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Damonsal

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #7 on: 14 June 2007, 22:36:08 »
Thanks!  I will have another go tomorrow as suggested..
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AndyT

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Re: Help! Can't remove steering idler
« Reply #8 on: 15 June 2007, 12:45:26 »
Did mine just last week!

Like you say, to get a decent splitter in there is next to impossible. So I put a jack under the idler arm raised just enough to provide support. The ball joint nut was loosened up to the end of the thread. A length of 15mm square steel bar (from B&Q) was passed down through the engine compartment to meet up with the ball joint nut. Then 2 or 3 really hefty blows with a lump hammer and the joint came free.

AndyT
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