1955 Merc Steering Idler Arm

[Marks55Monterey]

If anyone knows how to re-install the steering idler arm on a 1955 Mercury Monterey, I'd really appreciate it.

Specifically, which end (the short one or the long one) goes into the bracket (and which goes into the steering connector link)?

 

[Dobie Gillis]

The long end goes into the bracket.

 

[Marks55Monterey]

Dobie, how do I install the arm then? (if I can't rotate it because it hits the connector link)

 

[Dobie Gillis]

Remove the bracket from the frame and install the idler to the bracket, then reinstall the assembly and install the drag link to the short end of the idler arm. This is for manual steering, the procedure for power steering may differ.

 

[Marks55Monterey]

Is there a trick to installing the bushings on the ends of the idler arm? Do you push the idler arm ends through the connector arm and bracket holes, and then thread on the bushings? And then do you thread the bushings (turning the opposite way) into the connector arm/bracket?

 

[Dobie Gillis]

Yup, the bushings go on after the arm is in the bracket and drag link. Install the idler to the bracket and then loosely install the bushing. Mount the bracket to the frame then install the drag link to the idler and install the other bushing. There are torque specs involved with all this. Do you have a shop manual?

 

[Marks55Monterey]

Yes...and many thanks

 

[Dobie Gillis]

Glad I could help.