Steering idler load

S

sowen

Active Member
Does anyone know what the load is to pull the steering arm on the hydraulic idler? The steering on my P6 is very heavy, and once the idler was removed it felt normal. On the bench it felt ok, some resistance but I don't have any reference to what load is required to move it round? Draining the oil and refilling with fresh 20w50/EP90 mix has lightened the steering, but it still feels heavy with the idler refitted. The steering box and all balljoints feel fine and turn ok as far as I'm concerned.
 
I have had a NOS steering idler and numerous rebuilt units. In all cases, the amount of effort required to move the arm through its arc is considerable. I don't have an actual figure though.

If there is any air within or a lighter oil is used, then the load becomes much less.

Ron.
 
Thanks for that, the load is quite firm but not having another to directly compare against it's had to tell if it's anywhere near right or not? Getting any air stuck in the damper unit is extremely noticeable, so I think I'll leave it as is until the car goes back on the road and continue from there. At the moment it's up on axle stands and immobile so I can't try out what I've done so far.
 
I always find the two track rod ends to be stiff whenever having a p6 with heavy steering, I have just purchased two new ones for mine.
 
Hmm, that's not a bad suggestion, I may even have a spare pair of new trackrod ends somewhere? Just breaking the taper on both ends would possibly give an indication of if they are a contributing factor so something to do later in the week :)
 
sowen said:
Hmm, that's not a bad suggestion, I may even have a spare pair of new trackrod ends somewhere? Just breaking the taper on both ends would possibly give an indication of if they are a contributing factor so something to do later in the week :)
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Let me know your result ;-)
 
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