I posted this over on thirdgen.org, but its a lot busier over here. Also, I'm guessing this question is universal to most RWD GM cars from the 70's-early 90's.
I'm replacing the tie rods, center link, and idler arm in my 87 Firebird. On the centerlink posts that attach to the idler arm and pitman arm, there were foam rubber rings. Are they supposed to stay on the centerlink when its installed, or not? I figure they are probably dust covers to keep crud from getting into moving parts, but they also kind of look like parts that could just be there to protect parts in shipment.
My Haynes guide doesn't have install instructions, only torque specs, so I'm just guessing at this without confirmation from someone else.
there should be boots on there like the tie rod ends have.
Hmm, these look like they'd function as boots, but aren't exactly like a tie rod boot, though, since they don't have the same freedom of movement a tie rod would have. Sounds like they belong, just not the same style. This is the cheapo centerlink from O'Reilly. I'd spring for a moog piece, but this is my challenge car. Thanks!
Those rings are the seals. There isn't enough room for a real boot on that design.
Cool, thanks. I've installed and torqued it down. Just need to put in cotter pins and fill em with grease.
I hate to ask, but as the seals compress and deteriorate, won't the torque setting go way down and allow a lot of slop in the idler arm and pitman arm connections? The specs in my haynes guide were only at 40 ft-lbs for the pitman, and 35 for the idler.
Believe in the manual young Luke.
eastsidemav wrote:
Cool, thanks. I've installed and torqued it down. Just need to put in cotter pins and fill em with grease.
I hate to ask, but as the seals compress and deteriorate, won't the torque setting go way down and allow a lot of slop in the idler arm and pitman arm connections? The specs in my haynes guide were only at 40 ft-lbs for the pitman, and 35 for the idler.
If you are tightening against the seal, you've got the wrong parts. The taper tightens into the corresponding taper. The seal sits in the open space between.
The seal is in between the parts where it belongs. Now that you mention it, yeah, I'm sure it pressed against the taper, it just looked weird to me.
