1955 Fairlane Idler Arm

[Dave Covey]

Need some instruction on taking the idler arm apart. Mine has a grease fitting on top of each end, then a large (15/16?) cap/nut. When I loosen it, it turns maybe two turns then stops, If I tighten it back up it pulls the idler arm up into the bracket and takes the play out of it.


I want to take it apart to clean it up.


Any help out there?


Thanks
Dave

[Dobie Gillis]

You have to remove the bracket from the frame 1st, then you can unscrew it. It's reverse thread. If there are shims between the bracket and frame be sure to put them back in place.

[mobileparts]

Have it BRAND NEW, if you want......
Always best to simply call -- Craig -- 56- 485 - 1935... West Hempstead, New York

[scicala]

Two digit area code ??


Sal

[40cpe]

he also listed his number in another "ad" . Area code 516

[Daves55Sedan]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Dobie is correct. You need to remove the L-shaped bracket that holds the idler arm to the frame before you can remove the idler arm. There should be rubber round grease seals at the base of the threads each end of idler arm. If those are missing they must be replaced. When re-installing, don't screw the idler arm into the bushings so tight that the idler arm will lock-up when the normal turn travel is attempted. Grease real good with bearing grease. Check for excessive wear. These are designed for a maximum 1/8 inch vertical deflection. If you detect more than this, replace the idler arm and bushings with a new set.

[BW78]

Hi Dave, I'm having the same problem getting that center-link bushing out of that idler arm. Not one of those that replied had any specific instruction on how to get the bushing out. I did see that it may be reverse thread but after the 3-5 turns that I got out of mine, I then tried the reverse thread pull and that did not even budge it either. If I can find a new replacement arm with bushings - I'm just going to cut it off!! I know that MACs does not sell the idler arms any longer.

[Dobie Gillis]

Mac's still shows them in their catalog.

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...ry-403297.html

[mobileparts]

And if you don't want Chineseum reproductions, give me a call :
Craig 516 - 485 - 1935.......New York....

[BW78]

OK Dave Covey - I figured it out and here is the best set of instructions you are going to find for those who have not done this. 1. remove the Idler Arm bracket. 2. Here is what nobody is saying - you have to remove the arm and NOT the bushings first. 3. The arm (both ends) are reverse thread but not the bushings. 4. Screw off the bracket and bushing together off the arm. 5. Then the other end of the arm will screw away from the drag link bushing. 6. Then you can remove the bushings. Hope this helps.

[Daves55Sedan]

Good job BW78 !