I was replacing the idler arm on my Comet yesterday and there is, what looks like a 3/4" piece of pipe, that was acting as a spacer between the top of the idler arm and the center link. There is also a washer. It looks like the spacer could have either sheared off or it is just a piece of pipe somebody rigged up. If the spacer is not used then the length of the sleeve that goes around the bolt is too long and there will be play between the two components. Is it correct to use the spacer between the arm and link then use the washer on top of the link under the bolt? Thanks
P/S or manual steering??? I've never seen a sleeve in this application for any vehicle... I know my '72 and a '77 I got steering pars from didn't have a sleeve nor does my '69 Cobra Jet that uses same valve(its apart as I type)... Actually sounds a bit dangerous...
A pic would help a lot, but no there should be no spacer needed, sounds like you have a mismatch of parts
This is what your idler suppose to look like, to the left are its internals and right is center link bushing...... the center link bushing has a metal sleeve with serrated teeth on both ends, a large washer is on top and then the castle nut to secure. The metal sleeve provides a certain amount of "crush" on the rubber bushing, while allowing the center link to still pivot.........idler is the same for P/S or M/S on your 74. David here is link to more info on idler arm, part numbers etc......... http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/idler-arm-question.105257/
Thanks for the responses! Looking at that picture, it seems like somebody made a ''custom" center link bushing at some point the metal sleeve I am referring to does have teeth on both ends. It looks like I will need to replace the bushing which I am sure will be a pain.
It probably best and easier to replace the entire arm. I replaced a ball joint in one of my upper A-arms, was a real pain. Got smart and replaced the entire arm on the other side; wish I had did arm replace from get-go.
