1952-59 Ford Solved: Idler arm removal - 55 Customline

Hello buddies!
Is there any special trick to remove the idler arm from a 55 Ford?

My idler arm has so much play. Was gonna remove and inspect the bearing threads and change the seals. I also have a separate idler arm from a 56 mercury to compare with and swap if needed. But i cant get my old idler arm off the steering arm.

Shop manual says to first "remove the idler arm frame bracket from the frame, then thread the bracket and bushing off the idler arm". Sounds easy, right? Well, not for me.

Nothing will thread off and with the idler arm bracket removed from the frame all is loose and i have a hard time getting any force for leverage. Same thing goes for the other end connected to the steering arm. Maybe there is a better way or trick you guys know of.

 

If I can find it I still have a excellent article that explains rebuilding the front suspension in detail. I just need to remember where I put it. I've sent several copies to other members.

 

Did you find these posts? This information seemed to help a friend who was removing the idler arm on a 55. I didn't get my hands on the parts, so I can't confirm the process. This might give you a start until guys who did this come around to provide more information.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/issue-2-removing-idler-arm.1177703/#post-13371702

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/adler-arm.1185718/#post-13464582

Some of the discussions are about a 1954, but it looks like 54 to 56 call for the same part number when you have manual steering.



Part numbers from Ford Car Parts, Parts and Accessories Text Catalog, 1949 /59 P***enger Car.

 

My old memory is faded but, if I remember right.....the idler arm has reverse threads. Try tightening instead of loosening and see what happens.

 

Yep, just followed the link down-the-road provided. It's my old post!
Left hand threads!

 

Thanks guys, I did find out about the left-hand threads when playing with the 56 idler arm on the bench. I’ll read up on those posts and give it another go later tonight.

 

Thanks again, the posts really helped me to get the idler arm out easily.

Like the posts said, you shouldnt try to unbolt the bushing bolts directly. Instead unbolt the bracket from the frame and ”unwind” it off by rotating the bracket by hand and then you can unwind the idler arm from the steering rod by rotating the idler arm.

One of the bushings is still attached to the steering rod, i will see if i can unbolt it under the car or if i have to separate more parts to get the steering rod out and put it in a vice.

The threads are clearly worn when compared to my other idler arm, so that one will go in instead. I guess i will need another post for correct installation

 

Final bushing is out, went and bought the best tool ever and it came out like a breeze

 

I would also greatly appreciate a copy of this also. This will be my next rebuild before front discs.

 

Yes, me too - that would be a great read.

 

I dropped out my idler arm and center link as one piece, since I wanted to clean and paint it. It made it easier to take apart on the bench.