Mopar Muscle Association UK

Didnt want to hijack Rebels thread so here is a question re my Polara

I put a new power steering box and idler arm on my Polara last year and all was well untill I recently developed a knock that I can feel whilst slow manouvering (not at speed). It feels like its coming from the steering box but Im not sure.

Roll on to yesterday, MOT pass with no advisories but did discuss it with the tester. A couple of points came out. He said there is a little bit of play in the box but nothing major and some movement in the end of the idler arm that meets the cross member. When the test kit is used to stress the steering, you can see some orbital movement in the idler arm. When I fitted it using the new bolt that came with it, I noticed that the bolt is a lose fit through the tube that floats in the rubber bushing. The movement would indicate that the joint is hovering around the bolt.

My question is...Do I need to have this play or should I put a bolt through that is thicker and fits snuggly through the sleeve to take up the play??

Secondly, in the absence of any visible play in any ball joints etc, could the box need adjustment now its done a couple of thousand miles? Is this a straightforward job and what does adjustment actually do?

Thanks in advance

cheers Steve

I have shimmed the Idler arm to prevent a bit of slack, but have not put in an oversized bolt at this would mean opening up the "K" frame holes...

You could try to adjust the box, worth a check for peace of mind.......

Thanks Pete...the MOT guy suggested a local company who could alter it to run on bearings either side of the sleeve but I dont think thats the way forward at the mo. Did your shims get rid of the circular movement Pete or just any up and down play??

If the bolt is loose in the sleeve thats not correct, is it loose in the K frame holes as well? K frame holes and the inner sleeve diameter should be the same size to prevent any slop.

I cant remember Blue....I think the bolt is tight in the frame holes but loose in the sleeve but not sure....will have to check. Want to avoid drilling the bracket if possible but may need to. Ive got the old one in the garage so will check the bolt and sleeve on it later

cheers

If that's the case, is it possible to press out the sleeve and get another made with the right size 'ole down the middle?

ah...didnt think of that! Maybe the old sleeve and bolt in the new bush/ arm is an option? Think I will take the idler arm off and compare everything....cheers!

What adjustments are possible in the box....she steers perfectly with no drifting etc, just that annoying knock

You ain't been out on one of your " funny " evenings again and forgot to get rid of the body have you ?? Best check the trunk

yeah Gaz, as well as the knock, I can hear someone saying "let me outta here!!"