[3ps]

Hi,

Wear was identified in my steering idler drop arm (right hand drive car).
I bought an idler repair kit from Alfaholics.

My mechanic is now saying that there is some welding to be done and he needs to check something out as he hasn't done this part before.

Any tips/advice as I don't have a clue?

 

[alfavirusnz]

Is the idler shaft worn, rather than just the bushes? Or has he found a crack in the chassis around the mounting area, or in the idler casting? I think you need to ask your mechanic to elaborate regarding the welding. The job is pretty straight forward really and would be only complicated to those used to working on modern steering rack equipt cars. Anybody with experience of 4wd vehicles (they still use a steering box and associated relay links) or older European vehicles would find the job easy.

Richard J

`65 Giulia Ti, `69 GT Junior, `74 GTV 2000, `76 Alfetta GTV, `77 Alfetta GTV, `81 Alfasud Ti, `84 GTV6, `90 164

 

[alfaparticle]

The Alfaholics kit probably includes a new spindle + bushes. The arm must be removed from the old spindle and attached to the new one. You have to grind off the weld then press them apart - big press needed. You must then press the arm onto the new shaft and weld it in place. The challenge is to press it to just the right place on the spindle. There is no shoulder as a guide. If I did one again I would assemble it without the weld, adjust for end float and then weld it.
RHD's may be difficult to find used, but if I had a LHD car I would definitely buy a used complete idler rather than do this repair.
Ed Prytherch
79 Spider
88 Verde