75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by SLOSpider »

Still working on replacing the steering and had got a new type idler with new bushings and grease fitting already installed.

One issues is that I will need longer bolts to install the new idler.
Two is the stock idler arm that is of a different design seems to have the steering stop located inside of it. I had rebuilt one of these before and the wipers inside with the 9o wt oil acts as a damper and only turn so far side to side.

With the linkage disconnected the drivers side still hooked to the gear box there is no steering stops on the gearbox and full
leftt turn would allow the steering knuckle arm to hit the lower control arm. Full right the pitman arm will contact the box before anything else hits.

Im worried that if I put the newer idler arm in I can cause damage to the lower control arms if in a tight turn. Any thoughts? Im thinking of just installing the old style arm back in there to be safe.
Last edited by SLOSpider on Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
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manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: 75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by manoa matt »

The heads of the 2 lower mounting bolts for the steering box are the stops. There should be two little tangs that drop down from the pitman arm to contact the bolt heads.

I have the mounting bolts for both types of idlers if you need them.
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SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

Re: 75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by SLOSpider »

I corrected my post. , turning full right it does hit the bolt at gear box at pitman however full left turn there is nothing for the pitman arm to contact to stop and the steering knuckle will hit the control arm. I decided to pop the cap off the old one and it was dry so filled it with some 80/90 I had and reassembled. Ill see how long until I notice the oil coming out of it.
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
BEEK
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: 75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by BEEK »

all you need is a lower seal, i dont know of the dimentions but im sure it has to be available somewhere in the world. a fish based oil, as viscosity doesnt change with temperature. and you can be an idler arm rebuilder
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
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SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

Re: 75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by SLOSpider »

Yeah I have one with a new seal in it that I tracked down once upon a time. I didnt feel like hammering off the arm to switch it over. Jack is getting tired of all work and no play!!!
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
User avatar
SLOSpider
Posts: 1140
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:10 am
Your car is a: 1973 124 Spider 2.0FI
Location: Lompoc, Ca USA

Re: 75 Fiat Idler and Steering stop

Post by SLOSpider »

I also crawled under there and did see that the steering pitman arm does have 2 spots to stop on the bolts but maybe its just a bit worn allowing the travel to be more than I thought it should be.
1975 124 Spider
1976 Mazda Cosmo http://www.mazdacosmo.com
1989 Chevy k5 Blazer
1967 GT Mustang Fastback
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