Worn steering idler

**101/105guy** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 10:00 PM

Hey guys, just discovered that the clunky steering in my '67 GTV is a worn idler assy.
My Alfa Ricambi book says that the 1300/1600 idlers and bushings are not the same as later 1750/2000 ones. I'm not sure if I can replace mine with a later model one or if the later bush/rebuild kits will work.
Also, mine has a grease fitting on the side that's not shown on the others that I have seen.
Thanks!
Randy

**101/105guy** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2008, 09:35 PM

Hmmmm.....
no one has run into this before ??

super1750 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008, 10:09 AM

Hi Randy,
although I am not really sure about the differences between junior and gtv idlers, I do think that they are interchangeable. As for the grease nipple: I have seen that done fairly often here in Germany and I believe that people think they are greasing the shaft and bush by pumping the housing full of grease... not the case, as they are just pumping grease into a hollow cavity that has no connection to the shaft or bush. It may help in damping the noise though, as half of the housing no longer resonates the thumping noise, but that isn't exactly a solution to the problem. Coincidently, it always seems to be the idlers that thump that have a grease nipple added.

cheers
Bob

**101/105guy** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008, 10:57 AM

Perhaps gravity would get some grease down to the lower bush !!
Randy

super1750 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008, 11:10 AM

Ya, it might, especially at sea level on a Full moon!!

super1750 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008, 01:29 PM

Hi Randy

I had a look at what the German alfa parts suppliers have to offer and the bushes or rebuild kits that they sell are the same for all 105's from 63 to 93. For the 101's there seem to be two different bushes available. They also offer the "fix it forever" solution as in the attached pic.
regards
Bob

bjfrantz@charte · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2008, 08:30 PM

I rebuilt the idler on my 55 Berlina with some Ford rod bushings from NAPA. I had to ream the ID, but they pressed into the housing nicely. No later problems. The grease nipple is a question mark. I installed one, but the grease really had no where to go.

Barry

**101/105guy** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2008, 08:38 PM

I took mine off, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. Bushings were not worn!!
When I shot som grease thru the nipple, a little came out each end, so it's possible that it will lube each bush.
Now replacing the steering joints.
Randy

**Anfanuts** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 06:19 AM

Where is the grease nipple placed (photo or dimensions). What location would do this job right? Thanks, Bruce

ossodiseppia · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anfanuts

Where is the grease nipple placed (photo or dimensions). What location would do this job right? Thanks, Bruce

**101/105guy** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 07:03 AM

Mine is on the aluminum housing. Centered between the bushings, it comes out facing the rear of the car and is a 45 deg. nipple.

**Anfanuts** · #12 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 07:14 AM

Nice. I'll add it to the queue! Thanks, Bruce

super1750 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 11:49 AM

Randy

After having another look at this thread I realize that there is a difference between the older model idlers and the newer ones. I was referring to the newer model idlers that have a hollow cavity left and right of the shaft that actually do not have a connection to the middle section with the shaft and bushes, in which case a grease nipple is pointless. I don't have a picture but if I come up with one I will post.

In any case, it was not my intention to be a wise guy or offend.

regards
Bob

super1750 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 11:56 AM

I have had the "thumping problem" before and it was caused by vertical or lengthwise play in the shaft. I solved the problem with a nylon disc or washer as a shim. That was quite a few years ago though and on a newer model idler and, to top it off, I don't recall the dimensions.

Bob