Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: geoffr70 on 15 July 2010, 00:06:06

Title: Steering idler removal
Post by: geoffr70 on 15 July 2010, 00:06:06
Hello all, whilst completing a few other jobs today, I attempted to replace my steering idler. i read the guide on here but there was no way it was coming off. I tried a ball joint removal tool in all sorts of positions with bars for extra leverage, but couldn't get a grip and couldn't get it off. I want to get it done because I'm getting the tracking done after I refit my ABS ECU tomorrow. Any ideas on getting it off? Thanks
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: brett wood on 15 July 2010, 06:10:52
What I did was remove the front nut on the rack slacken the rear nut on the chassis with half inch gap big hammer and a few big clouts and off it will pop
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: 2woody on 15 July 2010, 08:53:15
you must be a little clearer on what you want.

replacing the steering idler - i.e. the bracket and lever assembly on the passenger side of the car can be done with a ball-joint splitter. try also sharply tapping the side of the lever adjacent to where the pin goes through.

the steering lever on the bottom of the steering box - don't even try to undo this.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: omegod on 15 July 2010, 09:35:35
It can be a bit difficult with a splitter as mine just wouldnt fit the joint, tried using it on an angle and it popped off under a lot of pressure cracking me right on the forehead :o......saw stars!!

 I ended up grinding the joint off VERY carefully.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: Varche on 15 July 2010, 11:28:34
I couldn't find my splitters when I did mine, I think my brother has them. I resorted to the old fashioned using two hammers simultaneously on either side of the joint. After many such tries I was on the point of exhaustion and thought I would give it ONE more try and bingo.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: 2woody on 15 July 2010, 13:07:58
aye - that works, but I'm hesitent to recommend it to someone who hasn't done it before.

it's the kind of thing that you really need to be shown, or you endup with burred threads, etc.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: Ghost on 16 July 2010, 13:28:45
I done mine a year or so ago and it was also a biatch to get off, I sprayed a load of wd40 on it and left it to work in after about an hour it just about fell off.
If you need a hand then give me a shout, I only live down the road from you, in Seaham.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: TheBoy on 16 July 2010, 13:33:18
Follow my guide to the letter. It will pop off.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: geoffr70 on 17 July 2010, 00:13:07
Thanks for you offer of help Ghost driver! Like wise, as i live near to you if you need any help give me a shout! I've left it for now because even though I've got the new part (lemforder), there wasn't much play in it so have left it on and had the tracking done today. Thanks!
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: 2woody on 17 July 2010, 00:24:44
oops - i've just spotted where you are - i could have come and done it for you on the way home. sorry.
Title: Re: Steering idler removal
Post by: geoffr70 on 17 July 2010, 00:33:06
Thanks anyway!