Gil’s Garage
Gil Baumgartner
CTCI Authenticity Chairman
The power steering idle arm bushings are more than likely one of the most misunderstood parts in the steering system. In order to replace these bushings the old ones must be pressed out. The new short bushing is then pressed into the steering arm. The long bushing is pressed into the idle arm bracket that attaches to the frame on the passenger side.
Shown is the short bushing installed in the steering arm. The inside sleeve has serrated teeth on both ends. When the idler arm is installed in the bushings the serrated teeth are designed to grab the idle arm at the bottom of the shaft and grab the large washer at the top of the shaft (threaded end). When replacing the idler arm insure that the steering is aligned straight ahead before the nuts are tightened. The inner serrated sleeve is designed to contact the idler arm and large washers. The outer sleeve is designed to not contact the arm or washers. This design allows the inner sleeve to lock in place and the outer sleeve to turn which creates tension on the rubber sleeve allowing the bushings to act as a centering mechanism.
Gil