Steering

[Scotto]

Looks like I'm rebuilding the steering system again. I'm not running a lot of trails anymore, but I have been on many logging roads and using the old X for what it is meant for. And I love that it isn't just a pavement runner.

But this us the fifth steering system I have rebuilt. Christ. What a PITA.

Any suggestions on what I could do next are welcome.

Geoffrey


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[Morpheus]

Is that still the one that Bender set up for you?

I love the heim joint system I'm running now. It can be pieced together for much less that I paid for it.

TMR custom's have a great deal on 3/4" heim joints, and they also sell the misalignment spacers that you would need.

The only thing you'd need to fabricate is the centre link and the pitman/idler arms.

[Scotto]

Yeah that's the one. I'm looking at a bunch of options right now.


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[Scotto]

I'm not too interested in having to fab a bunch of pieces up. I have, like, zero hours to do that.


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[Adam]

I know the steering is poop, but for me it's always just the idler arm. Got about 1/8 inch of play in the current one...And upper ball joints. That's a fall and spring item on my truck

I tried the bandit 4x4 bushings, they didn't last much longer on the idler. The UCA bushings from 4x4parts are poop, I went through 2 sets, so I tossed those and bought a set of super lift UCA's. Hoping that and the grassroots CL will be okay for me.

So basically this post was useless, except for maybe what not to buy...

[the x kid]

Were you greasing those bandit 4x4 bushings regularly Adam?

[Scotto]

Adam is pretty good on that stuff. So I bet he did.

What I'm going to do right now is start tearing the steering apart day by day and replace parts. I'm suspecting worn washers and bolts. I'm also going to do all the TREs. Idler arm bushings are ordered. If it still isn't good enough then we will see. I'm looking at (ghast) calmini. It's fully rebuildable. But like I said we will see.

I'm hoping a small rebuild will suffice.


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[Adam]

Good luck with the rebuild, Scott. I see a similar thing in my future after Slavek told me my tires were both pointing inwards at times on the trails at AW.

I did grease those bushings, the wd21 idler arm came with a grease fitting. Used regular grease like you'd use on the TREs. Maybe it was the wrong grease, I have no idea.

[Nd4SpdSe]

SLR still makes steering kits as well last time I checked, you just gotta shoot him an email

[Scotto]

Turns out the system is fine. All the bushings are good. The problem is the actual idler arm. It's worn. I suspect that Calmini has made a bad idler arm bracket - the angles are wrong and wore out the arm causing a lot of play. I replaced some washers and tightened it all up and it's good. And removed that Calmini thing. Need a better idler arm brace.


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[Adam]

I have an extra one laying around somewhere, I'm pretty sure the one for the pathy is the same. If you want it, it's yours.

[Scotto]

Extra what? Idler arm or idler arm bracket?


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[Adam]

Idler arm brace.

[Snafu]

Glad it sounds better than before. Is the idler arm still okay or does it also need replacing?

[Scotto]

Idler arm fuggered. The pin is worn. Better than the bushings though. Adam :that's not just another calmini brace is it?


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[Adam]

It's one from 4x4 parts. Probably slightly better than crapalini.

[Scotto]

Ok. Send it my way!


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[Scotto]

Out of the fire into the frying pan...

Need a new fuel tank....

[Snafu]

Ah crap!

[Simon]

You can get it patched up. I had mine done recently. It cost $285 I believe (I'd have to double check the price). It took them half a day, and they've got a 3 year warranty. So far, so good.

http://gastankexchange.com/