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Seeking Idler Arm Kit
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LostDeere59
Posted 2017-08-07 8:47 PM (#545787)
Subject: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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Posts: 406
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Location: Hilltown, PA

So after reading about 42 bazillion posts about idler arms, kits, bushings, and whatever, I've decided I should update my floppy idler arm with a bearing kit.

Unfortunately I can't seem to locate one at a reasonable price - or at all.

Several vendors list one that is essentially a RareParts kit with a prefix number, but no availability is listed.

Even Amazon shows an estimated ship date of 1 to 2 MONTHS . . .


So....

Anybody got a source, or one to sell?

I really don't want to put another rubber bushing in it, just to have to do it again . . . and again . . .


Gregg
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mstrug
Posted 2017-08-07 9:02 PM (#545788 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-62-Chrysler-Dodge-Plymouth-Idler-Arm-R...
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LostDeere59
Posted 2017-08-08 7:32 AM (#545814 - in reply to #545788)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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Yes, I did see that one. Is that an acceptable replacement for the bearing & sleeve type?

Gregg
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57chizler
Posted 2017-08-08 5:36 PM (#545870 - in reply to #545814)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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I don't see that E-bay offering as being an improvement on the original, I'd hold out for a ball-bearing kit like the Moog K-258A. They show up on E-bay occasionally.
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mikes2nd
Posted 2017-08-09 8:59 AM (#545899 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit


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those are just as good as ball bearing, a little overpriced but hey. They wont crack or anything and you couldn't tell the difference if you tried.

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Greg P.
Posted 2017-08-10 4:26 PM (#545969 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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Location: Oley, PA
Here's an Idler Arm Bearing Kit for sale on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Mopar-1960-62-Idler-Arm-Bearing-Kit-/32...

I think it's what a lot of people are using.

That said, I installed a similar kit on my '59 Windsor recently and the upper bearing failed after less than 500 miles. Not sure why it failed. Maybe it was defective or maybe I did something wrong in the installation. The kit I bought was an off-brand that I had never heard of, but it looked like the same parts. For now, I am back to using a rubber bushing, but soon I will try something different.

The solid kit from PST looks interesting. I've never seen that style. It doesn't really say what material it is, could be poly I suppose. The weird thing is they claim to have several sets in stock, but the photo sure looks like a used part.

Edited by Greg P. 2017-08-10 4:35 PM




(Idler Arm Bearing Kit.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Idler Arm Bearing Kit.jpg (81KB - 242 downloads)
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1960fury
Posted 2017-08-10 6:33 PM (#545976 - in reply to #545969)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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Greg P. - 2017-08-10 4:26 PM



That said, I installed a similar kit on my '59 Windsor recently and the upper bearing failed after less than 500 miles. Not sure why it failed.


that can very easily happen, as i explained in another idler arm thread.

1. the idler arm and frame bracked wasn't designed for ball bearings, giving very little room for axial bearings, thats why the oe part/replacement kit uses tiny, fragile ball bearings.
2. the axial bearings can't be properly sealed against dirt and water.
3. instalation is tricky since you can't realy tighten the attaching bolt, hence the lock plate in the kit. if you overtighten it (very easily done) the tiny ball bearings don't last.
(that said, its still a lot better than a rubber bushing)

all that is fixed with my kit. bigger, heavy duty RADIAL bearings with seals and impossible to overtighten. these last forever. mine is still like new after 100+k miles.
yours is on the way, mailed it today.

Edited by 1960fury 2017-08-10 6:39 PM




(idlerarm1.jpg)



(idlerarm2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments idlerarm1.jpg (29KB - 246 downloads)
Attachments idlerarm2.jpg (33KB - 240 downloads)
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mstrug
Posted 2017-08-10 7:19 PM (#545981 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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DODGE Outer Tie Rod Ends Inner Tie Rod Ends Idler Arm Idler Arm Kit More Parts
1955-58 8 cyl $34.95 $54.95 $89.70 $28.40 drag link $245.00 ex.
1957-61 full sized $36.95 $42.95 $72.70 $29.40 drag link $245.00 ex.
1962-69 except Coronet & Charger $36.95 $36.95 $72.70 $32.40 pitman arm $139.00
1965-69 Coronet & Charger $29.95 $29.95 $67.70 pitman arm $139.00
1961 Lancer $36.95 $36.95 special order $29.40 pitman arm $139.00
1962 Lancer $29.95 $29.95 $72.70 pitman arm $139.00
1960-61 Dart $36.95 $42.95 $72.70 $29.40 drag link $245.00 ex.

http://www.vapinc.com/mopar/Steering%20Parts/main.html
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LostDeere59
Posted 2017-08-10 10:38 PM (#545989 - in reply to #545969)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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Location: Hilltown, PA

Lots of help . . .thank you everyone

Greg P - I saw the item you posted, my concerns are they don't know if the kit is complete (it looks OK), there seems to be some significant rust on at least one of the bearings (bad) and they want $85 for it. I'd pay that for a good clean complete kit at this point, but not a gamble like that. I could put 4 bushings in for 85 bucks . . .

Also it looks like we're close - did you make it to Macungie? I went Saturday with my fiancé, first time there.

1960 Fury - sent you a PM

mstruq - I did find that vendor, and after looking at their website I believe I sent them an email asking if they had bushings or bearing kits, and have not heard back. Thank you though.


Again, thanks for all the input guys

Gregg
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Greg P.
Posted 2017-08-11 2:43 PM (#546019 - in reply to #545989)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



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LostDeere59 - 2017-08-10 10:38 PM


Lots of help . . .thank you everyone

Greg P - I saw the item you posted, my concerns are they don't know if the kit is complete (it looks OK), there seems to be some significant rust on at least one of the bearings (bad) and they want $85 for it. I'd pay that for a good clean complete kit at this point, but not a gamble like that. I could put 4 bushings in for 85 bucks . . .

Also it looks like we're close - did you make it to Macungie? I went Saturday with my fiancé, first time there.



The kits looks complete but I agree that it is too expensive and may not be in great condition. I've seen them for a lot less. Also, my experience was not good using the kit. 1960 Fury is correct that the design of the kit with the tiny bearings makes it not very robust.

I ordered a new (improved design) kit from 1960 Fury. It looks to me like this is the best possible solution. I'm looking forward to receiving it and installing it. I'll give a full report when I do.

Gregg, I'm not far from you. I had hoped to make it to Macungie last weekend but other issues came up and I didn't make it. I'm glad you went. It's a great show.
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fravizo
Posted 2018-03-11 11:03 AM (#559645 - in reply to #545976)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit


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Posts: 68
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Location: Stockholm Sweden
Hi 1960fury, I wonder if you still offer/make these idler arm bushings, my present bushing needs to be replaced,has some slack.
I´ve got a new but old rubber NOS bushing by HARRIS (yet sold to me as MOOG K-788) but wouldn´t use it after I read your comments/statement in another thread
Thanks, Johan



(Idler arm.jpg)



(Idler arm bushing HARRIS.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Idler arm.jpg (125KB - 201 downloads)
Attachments Idler arm bushing HARRIS.jpg (68KB - 205 downloads)
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wizard
Posted 2018-03-11 12:07 PM (#559657 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

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The rubber bushings will last for a long time even if the bearing type is a better alternative.

I use the Ranco kit which is a kit consisting of different plastic bushings - maintenace free and still good after 10 years.

Herman made his own out of plastic, drawing below



(IdlerArmBushing.jpg)



(IMG_3955-rez.jpg)



(Jamco_1-rez.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments IdlerArmBushing.jpg (46KB - 194 downloads)
Attachments IMG_3955-rez.jpg (102KB - 198 downloads)
Attachments Jamco_1-rez.jpg (72KB - 200 downloads)
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fravizo
Posted 2018-03-11 3:35 PM (#559688 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit


Regular

Posts: 68
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Location: Stockholm Sweden
Sven, I wish I had the tools to make it, yet I lack the skills I would have given it a try, learning from trials and errors.
Anyway spring/summer is approaching so I´ll try to reach for 1960fury´s option
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lonesome mopar
Posted 2018-03-29 6:09 AM (#560663 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: Re: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



Extreme Veteran

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Location: Milano, Italy
Just stumbled upon this thread and saw a problem which I solved decades ago.
I solved this by machining two pieces of Nylon stock (not plastic) and fit them over the idler arm the way Wizard is showing above.
Nylon don't need lubrication.
It is Still there after decades without any considerable play.
Hope this could help along with all other posts.
:-))
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Greg P.
Posted 2018-04-03 7:54 PM (#561094 - in reply to #545787)
Subject: RE: Seeking Idler Arm Kit



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
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Location: Oley, PA
I bought the bearing kit from 1960fury last August and I'm very pleased with it. If he's still selling the kits, I'd highly recommend getting one. Here's some pics of my kit and installation.

Edited by Greg P. 2018-04-03 8:02 PM




(Idler Arm Bearing Kit Contents.jpg)



(1 Pressing in the bearings.jpg)



(2 Bearing in Place.jpg)



(3 Sleeve Installed.jpg)



(4 Installing the 2nd Bearing.jpg)



(5 Dust Boots in Place.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Idler Arm Bearing Kit Contents.jpg (37KB - 215 downloads)
Attachments 1 Pressing in the bearings.jpg (77KB - 210 downloads)
Attachments 2 Bearing in Place.jpg (88KB - 209 downloads)
Attachments 3 Sleeve Installed.jpg (75KB - 211 downloads)
Attachments 4 Installing the 2nd Bearing.jpg (63KB - 217 downloads)
Attachments 5 Dust Boots in Place.jpg (43KB - 204 downloads)
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