Center link and idler arm
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 411
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 swap
Transmission: manual
Center link and idler arm
Hi all, I have a 1986 irocz.
I have motion between the idler arm and the center link. I noticed there is a rubber washer or rubber grommet that is desintegrated/ broken. I can’t find that part anywhere. I am not sure what I am looking for either. Does anybody know where I could get that, or what I can replace it with? Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!
I have motion between the idler arm and the center link. I noticed there is a rubber washer or rubber grommet that is desintegrated/ broken. I can’t find that part anywhere. I am not sure what I am looking for either. Does anybody know where I could get that, or what I can replace it with? Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks!
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,123
Received 1,688 Likes
on
1,283 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Center link and idler arm
The rubber piece is just a seal; won't get rid of the play.
The actual joint, the part with the play in it, is part of the idler arm. Replace that. Read the thread about "idler arms don't fit" first.
The actual joint, the part with the play in it, is part of the idler arm. Replace that. Read the thread about "idler arms don't fit" first.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 411
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 swap
Transmission: manual
Re: Center link and idler arm
Thanks, that helps! Do you mean replace the joint or the idler arm? do I need to get the seal too, or can I do without it? If I remember correctly, sometime ago when I replace the center link, the seal came in with the center link kit.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,123
Received 1,688 Likes
on
1,283 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Center link and idler arm
Replace the idler arm.
The joint that has the play, is part of the idler arm.
You can buy those boots separately. probably at yer local parts store. Google "tie rod end boots".
The joint that has the play, is part of the idler arm.
You can buy those boots separately. probably at yer local parts store. Google "tie rod end boots".
#5
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: North East GA
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes
on
40 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Transmission: T56
Re: Center link and idler arm
The idler arm has a joint in it and probably has play in it but the center link has the joint between the center link and the idler arm. You are probably looking at replacing both parts.
The idler arm bolts to the frame with 2 bolts so if you take it loose you can see which joint has the play in it. If you replace all the parts pay attention the inner tierod ends from alot of parts stores have the grease fittings on the back side not the end so you can't get to them because of the k member.
The idler arm bolts to the frame with 2 bolts so if you take it loose you can see which joint has the play in it. If you replace all the parts pay attention the inner tierod ends from alot of parts stores have the grease fittings on the back side not the end so you can't get to them because of the k member.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 411
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350 swap
Transmission: manual
Re: Center link and idler arm
Thanks! That's exactly the joint that I thought it has motion. I replaced the center link about 1 year ago, and helped a lot with the steering and suspension. I thought that because the seal was trashed, that there is motion there. The steering though do not feel that bad.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wnmetal
Suspension and Chassis
9
02-23-2011 01:28 AM
I ROCK
Tech / General Engine
9
08-30-2001 07:58 PM
I ROCK
Suspension and Chassis
2
08-24-2001 04:21 PM