Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: geoffr70 on 11 July 2010, 00:20:52

Title: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: geoffr70 on 11 July 2010, 00:20:52

Hello, just getting round to replacing the steering idler. If there is one from the steering box, what is the other one for? Does it just help to keep it all lined up? Is that a steering idler aswell? Do I need to replace them as a pair? Thanks!

Title: Re: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: RobG on 11 July 2010, 00:32:14

Passenger side is the idler arm. Driver`s side is the pitman arm no need to change that one.  The Pitman arm supports the drag link or center tiebar with a ball joint. It transmits the motion it receives from the steering box into the tiebar causing it to move left or right to turn the wheels in the appropriate direction. The idler arm is attached between the opposite side of the center link from the Pitman arm and the vehicle's frame to hold the center tiebar at the proper height.

Title: Re: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: geoffr70 on 11 July 2010, 00:36:19

So does the pitman arm ever need changing? If it has a ball joint could it not wear aswell? Thanks

Title: Re: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: RobG on 11 July 2010, 00:40:12

Eventually it will wear out but I`ve yet to hear on this forum of a miggy with a failed one.

Title: Re: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: charlie on 11 July 2010, 10:19:32

I ve never heard one fail,if theres still play.Put the front of the car on ramps and get the pry bay out and have a look  :y

Title: Re: Steering idler, how many?
Post by: Andy H on 11 July 2010, 18:18:00

The VX carltons used the same set up. A long time ago I had one with a worn balljoint on the drag link so I fitted a good used one from a scrap car.

I haven't heard/read of anyone else having to replace one so it does seem to be rare for them to wear out.