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[MG]

Hi.

Replaced the steering idler today, only to find that the new one I have put on there seems to have as much play in it as the old one.

Can anyone tell me how much play should there be at the road wheel? I seem to have a couple of mm of play.

Also are there any specific manufacturers or sellers known to be selling sub-standard parts?

I bought this one from Vauxhall Car Parts (VCP) are they a known good retailer/recommended by the forum supplier?

I feel like I have wasted my time swapping it out!! 

Any suggestions will be gratefully welcome.

Thanks.

Mel.

[05omegav6]

2 mm sounds like alot of play for a new part currently the only recommended supplier of steering idlers is Vauxhall, as the recommended alternative doesn't last as well as the price might suggest

[omegod]

You sure the play is in the idler? maybe wishbone bush?

[MG]

Definitely in the idler.

There is visible movement in the idler.
I would have thought there should be near enough no movement at all.

If it is recommended to purchase idlers from Vauxhall MD, then surely all of the parts that can be bought from the likes of VCP and Auto Vaux may also suspect?

Mel.

[RobG]

I bought this one from Vauxhall Car Parts

How much?

[chrisgixer]

Sadly the only place I know of to get decent idlers these days is vx.

Lemforder used to be reliable but now only seem to last 6months.

However any other pattern part is know to be hopeless.


Oh, and there should be zero vertical play. Even with all your weight pulling it pushing on it. Although a fraction of play probably won't notice.

[MG]

Hi

I think it was just under £20. I believe the Vauxhall MD price is over £100.

There is a lot of up and down movement on the centre tie rod and you can see the idler flexing.

I guess I'll have to buy one from Vauxhall MD and pay the £100.

It's just annoying that such poor quality parts are being sold by these spares companies.

I have contacted VCP in the hope that I might get a replacement, and that I was just unlucky......

[chrisgixer]

It is annoying. But as we know the vast majority if pattern parts are shite. Lemforder where known as the oe supplier to vx, but even they seem to fail in short order at a cost of £40-£50

Trade club helps slitely with the vx price, giving a trade price of £90 odd. As it's not a trade club part.

If you garb the passenger side road wheel at the 3-9 o'clock position and twist it in the steering axis while watching the idler through the wheel arch you'll see the play in the idler.
You'll get tyre wear and inacurate stearing. So in some respects the new idler will save tyre wear and money long term.


The number of parts that are either no longer serviced by vx or difficult to find at a reasonable price is steadily increasing.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The item that VCP sell is a very poor quality no brand part.