I know this kind of stuff has been posted before, but I was truly amazed. I took my 82 in for an oil and filter change. While it was up on the hoist, the service manager pointed out that my idler arm bushings were shot(he demonstrated this by moving the center link back and forth). They had the bushings, so I had them changed. When the job was done, he mentioned I might notice a little difference in the steering. I had some free play in the wheel, but I just figured it was a normal consequence of recirc ball steering. When I drove the car home, the steering felt like it did when I bought the car new . . . absolutely no free play! I guess I shouldn't have been so amazed, but I was.

 

I need to get mine on a lift and do a good inspection underneath. Thanks for posting.

 

Mike- you can just reach in from the top and give it a jiggle I think - no need for a lift to check the idler bushings. Easy fix-
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

the idler arm bushings are a common failure. i replace the entire arm every time the bushings are bad. the reason i do this is because i figure that the ball joint is probably in need of some attention as well. often times the idler arm can be difficult to get out and at times are ruined from pounding and or heating.

 

I did the permanent fix for worn idler arm bushings: http://info.rockauto.com/Moog/Detail...&K9369_ANG.jpg

RockAuto.com has the best price btw.

 

yeah my idler arm bushings are shot....im going to replace it soon with the HD idler arm on mazdatrix.

 

The on from rockauto is the same moog idler so unless you like payeing 30 bucks more get it from rockauto.

 

hmm thanks for the info.

 

Stu & Dave - thanks for the guidance. Yetterben - thanks for the link to parts. Cheers!

 

When was the last time you replaced your ball joint? I'm planning to update to new ones as well as lower control arms. And now I'm very interested in this "idler arm"

Do you reccomend just replacing the bushings or the idler arms as well?

 

If I have the Energy Suspension Front and Rear Bushing set, would that eliminate the wondersteer? Or atleast lessen it? I have a good 4-5 inches of steering play, and have the whole bushing kit handy. Would it be worth it to change them out?

I have no press, so could I do this by jacking the car up and using a torch to get the old ones out and just add the lube and get the new ones in?

 

I don't think the new bushings will eliminate the wonder steer, though on my car one of the control arm bushings was pretty much gone so it helped. You may need to tighten the steering gear box a bit, but when you do, excercise some restraint. You don't want to over tighten it. Overall, the bushings are easy, if not messy to get out; just use a MAPP or propane torch and hold the piece over a big coffee can. For most of the new bushings, you can just press them in by hand, although a few required a C-clamp to seat them properly. Have fun!

 

the idler arm containts a ball joint on the center link end and i have often times observed this end to be extremely worn, though not visable while in place. the boot can hide a lot of wear. often times the ball jont's stud seizes in the center link, causing it to have to be heated or pounded through. if you have to pound it because it's seized in the center link, you can easially ruin the stud (even with e nut threaded on to protect the threads) if you can manage to use a tie rod seperator to break the balljoint free, you will most likely tear the boot. i personally always just replace the whole thing. i buy mine from napa for just over $60 out the door. they are very good units. if you would like i can take a picture of the idler arm off of the car and point out the wear spots on it.

 

Here's a good link to go along with this thread. Lots of info, and includes my instructions to adjust the steering box...

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...steering+grind

And yes, spend the extra cash for the Moog idler arm, and don't get fooled into paying a bunch more for a "race version" of the idler arm from some of the other sites. It is the same idler arm you can buy at Rockauto for $30.00 less.

 

Yes, pics plz.

 

Here's a link with pics regarding the idler arm:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/steering-idler-bushing-problem-illustrated-513792/

 

if you have 4-5 INCHES of play, you need to look under there, thats kinda bad