Topic: Power Steering Idler

[bryancobb]

I have been hunting a Ford idler arm for my MAR 66 C-Code convertible with power steering.
I want the one with teeth on the inner sleeve that has the "centering characteristic" that is created when the inner sleeve is locked to the mount and when the steering wheel is turned, the rubber bushing is twisted in a way that helps the steering seek the center!

Would anyone care to offer their observations on the one in the pictures.  I am prepared to buy it if it is the right one for my car.

[jwc66k]

It appears to be legit for a power steering application if the end of the bushing that is at the bottom when installed has a "step" to restrict the installation depth which yours does. But, from the info I have, the vendor part number of the bushing should be "HARRIS SILENTBLOC - 62366" (I have a NOS Ford bushing for p/s with that p/n) vs 62465, but they may be functionally interchangable. Outside of the appearance of 40 years of sitting on the shelf (the crack in the rubber included), it would be worth considering.
Jim

[bryancobb]

Thanks Jim,

Brant at Virginia...   Has the brand new SilentBloc with teeth bushing, on his website.  I THINK it's a repop and I have no idea if it TWISTS the rubber like it's suppose to do, or simply revolves and has no centering force.
I'd like for him to answer.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2012/01/65-66-gt350-idler-arm-bushing.html

[Brant]

Thanks Jim,

Brant at Virginia...   Has the brand new SilentBloc with teeth bushing, on his website.  I THINK it's a repop and I have no idea if it TWISTS the rubber like it's suppose to do, or simply revolves and has no centering force.
I'd like for him to answer.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2012/01/65-66-gt350-idler-arm-bushing.html

Hi Bryan,

The bushings we have are actually Harris bushings-exactly like those Jim describes having in the Ford box-same number and markings.  I have been asked about idler arm bushings that don't have any "centering force," but I have never seen or experienced a part like that.

I have not personally driven a car with this particular bushing installed yet, but I'm guessing it works perfectly fine.  I just installed one in my own car, but the car will not be on the road for a few more months.

The idler arm that is pictured looks like a nice part to me.  I'm not sure why there is a different part number on the bushing though.

Oh, my supplier just backordered the bushings.  I had received quite a few on the first shipment, but we have sold them.  I'm trying to find out when we may have some more.

Thanks.

[bryancobb]

Thanks Brant!!

I guess I'll do without for a while.

To fill you in on the centering force...

1) The one on my car right now is the "NEW GENERATION" of idler arms.  With it in your hand and installed on the shaft, you can rotate it 360 deg + with about 5 or 10 in/lb of torque.
2) In the early 90's, my Dad and I were restoring my Rangoon Red convertible and I ordered a new idler from the Parts Department at the Mercury Place. 
3) I inspected the part closely and remember seeing TEETH on the edge of the inner sleeve.  Not really knowing what I had, I installed it but didn't tighten the big nut on the shaft to spec.
4) It worked very well for a few days.  The rubber TWISTED and only the arm and outer steel sleeve rotated.  The inner sleeve was suppose to be LOCKED to the mounting surface it rides against.
5) Well a few days later, I turned a sharp turn and POOOWWWWW!!!!!  The teeth slipped and ate up the steel surface they were suppose to embed themself into.
6) From then on, even on shallow turns the idler would pop loudly.
7) I replaced it but the replacement didn't have the teeth and it revolved easily, like the new ones do.

WHAT BUMMED ME OUT, WAS THE REAL SNAPPY CENTERING ACTION WAS GONE WHEN THE TOOTHED ONE WAS REMOVED.