Steering Idler Pin and steering damper
- Thread starter westy68
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aogrady
Well-known member
westy68 said:
I have a clonk from the steering, i have been told i have wear in the center pin. Try greasing it all up when jacked up on axle stands and see what's what. Also any play in the box will make play at the steering end.
Cheers!
Alistair
BJ1
Well-known member
Any significant play in the idler pin will give large movement at the steering wheel and make the steering feel very vague. Forcing grease into it will make no difference at all.
Without jacking up the van, get someone to work the wheel to and fro. From underneath you will be able to see play, either as the pin clonking up and down (in which case you may be able to shim it) or more likely from side to side. Also check the two joints on the steering drag link that connects the idler arm with the steering box and the four track rod ends. Then jack up the van and adjust the steering box carefully using Haynes to guide you. Remember there is a VERY small adjustment needed between too tight and just right. While you have the van in the air, grease up all points on the axle and the pin.
The damper will not give extra play in the steering even if it is completely flooked. The only way to check that it's working properly is to take it off and check for dead (undamped) movement. I routinely replace them - they are cheap so why not?
Without jacking up the van, get someone to work the wheel to and fro. From underneath you will be able to see play, either as the pin clonking up and down (in which case you may be able to shim it) or more likely from side to side. Also check the two joints on the steering drag link that connects the idler arm with the steering box and the four track rod ends. Then jack up the van and adjust the steering box carefully using Haynes to guide you. Remember there is a VERY small adjustment needed between too tight and just right. While you have the van in the air, grease up all points on the axle and the pin.
The damper will not give extra play in the steering even if it is completely flooked. The only way to check that it's working properly is to take it off and check for dead (undamped) movement. I routinely replace them - they are cheap so why not?
K@rlos
Well-known member
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I don't mean to but in but, i'm planning on replacing the idler pin bus on my bus soon. i've done 1 on a split screen before and it needed to be reamed, does a bay require reaming too?
mysteryspots
Well-known member
The new bushes you get wil more than likely need reaming. 
aogrady
Well-known member
andyo11 said:Replaced mine earlier in the year and it dont need reaming, well worth doing aswell, made a world of difference to my steering
Hi!
How easy to change the idler pin?
Cheers!
Alistair
woodslat
Well-known member
Split swing lever pin bushings need reaming, all bays 68-79 do not, just knock 'em in and go! I bought the reamer for the splits, expensive...
aogrady said:andyo11 said:Replaced mine earlier in the year and it dont need reaming, well worth doing aswell, made a world of difference to my steering
Hi!
How easy to change the idler pin?
Cheers!
Alistair
Not a difficult job, the hardest thing is knocking the bushes out, I had to get a dolly made up and it made it a lot easier.getting them out and the new ones back in.
