Steering Idler - bushes or new one?

[scoobyphil]

Hiya,

I've got a bit of play in the lower end of my steering idler - with the steering wheel on full lock if I kick the wheel I get an audible clunk (who said tyre kicking was pointless?) and can see it moving. I think the ball joint's fine on it so was wondering if there's ever a point where changing the bushes is not enough?

Probably see where I'm going, I don't want to pay £60 for a new one where £2.50 will do for new bushes, but also don't want to take the thing off, change the bushes only to have to order a new one anyway.

Also getting the bits is a bit of a mission for me.

So site unseen on how much play there is best guesses please!
Thanks
Phil

[stormforce]

i would go the bushes first.It don't take much to get the idler off so it won't make a lot of difference if its gotta come off twice.Its better to pay £5 for 2 bushes then its ok or to find you need to get a new idler

[scoobyphil]

Magic, I was hoping it wasn't going to be a mission to get the old one off (hmm should probably rephrase that, oh well), the roughtrax exploded view of the idler looked pretty straight forward, short of not having the right socket again that is...

[stormforce]

if you can't get parts sent to you then you can get them sent here then i can forward them onfor the postal cost that is

[scoobyphil]

Incredibly generous offer but I've still got a couple of oldies back in the UK who do a bit of freight forwarding when asked...actually usually first they know about it is when they get a parcel on their doorstep and a plea a couple of days later! Its the heavier stuff that's more of a problem, usually have to wait until someone's coming out and bribe them to stuff a few parts in a suitcase. I really need a silencer and a new rad but haven't been able to get those in a suitcase....yet.

[stormforce]

i send Rads to Italy and anywhere that someone wants one really.It cost about £30 to have the rad sent to Italy if thats any help and i'm sure i can send out a silencer aswell if needed.