Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 14:25:59

Title: idler arm removel
Post by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 14:25:59

yup i know its in the maintence guides, but does anyone know of a method for getting th tapered end off?
dont have a big breaker bar, and have been trying for 2 hours to shift it,  have hit the car several times in temper, and am now really, really pissed off with it, and the wife is going mental as she needs the car half hour ago.

any ideas?

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 July 2007, 15:01:36

The body fixing end is generaly easy.

The end onto the tie rod is a bit more of a challenge.

I rotate the idler, having removed the body fixing end, so its in line with the tie rod.

I then use a chisel or similar wedge and tap it in between the tie rod and idler, not massively hard but, so its applying some upward presssure on the idler arm.

I then use two hammers and hit the idler either side of the tie rod joint in a slightly upwards direction....takes a few practice swings to get right.....

This frees it every time for me.

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 15:29:31

Cheers for that, but I found a obscure method!

Mate of mine just showed me a neat trick, 1 can of butane lightergas, holt the nib with plyers, and spray on the joint untill ice formed! One clout with the hammer once frozen, and it pinged of with the first stroke! Couldnt believe it! ;D

But now I have a brand new problem!  >:(

As in the pic, nut went back on ok, but as soon as theres tension as it starts to tighten the whole thing starts to turn.
Where the white arrow is pointing, well that bit starts to turn as soon as the nut starts to pull up, hence I cannot tighten it any futher than this.  >:( >:( >:(

Always fekin somthing! :(

Any ideas on this new issue?

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb53/trooper30/knuckle.jpg)

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 July 2007, 15:31:43

One method is to use a jack with a block of wood on it to apply upward pressure to the bottom of the ball joint assembly onto which the idler bolts.

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 15:34:12

Ahh right, cheers for that :y will go and try that, let you know how it goes in a bit!

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: luv_my_mv6 on 12 July 2007, 15:39:44

Cool, I needed something like this, i've got my idler to do when vaux get it in stock, i'll make sure I have a can of gas ready  :y

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 July 2007, 15:49:05

Ow yes, please dont support the car on the sub frame.....use the main chassis rail behind the jacking point.

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: x25xe on 12 July 2007, 15:53:19

You could always use an electrical freezer spray instead of butane gas.  For safety and health reasons if nothing else!

Here is a link:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=freezer%20spray&source=15&SD=Y

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 16:07:47

Right, all on , all done, all tightened, and NO PLAY AT ALL! YEY ;D ;D ;D
Thanks yet again to 'Marks DTM Calib' and his live help! Cheers matey :y

Oh and I wouldnt recomend the butane gas thing to anyone, only reason I did is was through the desperation of anger! ;D ;D

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 July 2007, 16:08:58

Now you just need to get some springs and top mounts and then shove them up the arse of the little scrote who told you it was that at fault!

Title: Re:  idler arm removel
Post by: Owen on 12 July 2007, 16:10:09

Yup will be paying them a visit to let them know all about it mate! ;)