Kingsdown has identified that the steering idler bush is badly worn possibly leading to the metal on metal clonk that comes with steering or suspension movement. I've bought a scond hand unit from them that is leak free and provides good resistance to movement - no spare recon ones available and also some bad experience with recon idlers leaking.
I'm having trouble getting a ball-joint splitter onto the inner ball joint from the idler to the rod that links to the steering box.
I have all three types of splitter: fork, cup and scissors.
The cup is good for restricted space but the fork end is too thick to slip under the ball joint. I was thinking of grinding it down to allow it too fit although there is a risk it will bend.
Someone on the forum used a combination of leverage and a sideways tap to release a steering joint taper but I'm a little nervous of that one.
Is there any advice for removal of this and the other joint to allow me to replace the idler? Also should I try to replace the rubber cover on the joints if they are available?
Thanks again.
John Macdonald
I'm having trouble getting a ball-joint splitter onto the inner ball joint from the idler to the rod that links to the steering box.
I have all three types of splitter: fork, cup and scissors.
The cup is good for restricted space but the fork end is too thick to slip under the ball joint. I was thinking of grinding it down to allow it too fit although there is a risk it will bend.
Someone on the forum used a combination of leverage and a sideways tap to release a steering joint taper but I'm a little nervous of that one.
Is there any advice for removal of this and the other joint to allow me to replace the idler? Also should I try to replace the rubber cover on the joints if they are available?
Thanks again.
John Macdonald