Torque for the idler arm nuts

[Merc Cruzer]

My reprint factory manual does not show the torque for the idler arm nuts on a 1953 Mercury - manual steering. Would anyone have it? How much play is acceptable in the up and down motion of the idler arm?

[1931 flamingo]

No offense, but do you really think a mech in a ford shop or independant garage used a torque wrench on thise nuts, ever?
Paul in CT

[51 MERC-CT]

If you are talking about the #3356 bushings, don't recall ever seeing torque specs. for these as they don't have threads as bolts do.

[Merc Cruzer]

When you say they don't have threads....

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

When you say they don't have threads....

Re-read my first post-I said "as bolts do".
The bushings are only holding themselves in place.
If you are intent on applying a torque value to their installation then 20-30 ft./lbs. would be sufficient.

[Merc Cruzer]

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51 MERC-CT:

Sounds like this is what I get for trying to "Do it by the book". As 31 Flamingo pointed out - "but do you really think a mech in a ford shop or independent garage used a torque wrench on those nuts, ever?"

Thanks again guys....now on to trying to get the doors to align properly....but that is another story.

[Scott H]

The two most common torque values that can be applied on these old cars:
1) monkey-tight, for small fasteners
2) gorilla-tight, for the big jobs

[Merc Cruzer]

Page 22 of the 1952 Mercury manual