1969 Front Suspension

[Salvatore I.]

A question to help educate me: The idler arm on my 69 Corvette Stingray (bolted to the frame and located on the passenger side at the "rear" of the front end) has what appears to be 2 joints, but both do not have any grease fittings. One joint (closer to the tie rod) has what appears to be a dry spongy or felt-like spacer. I cannot locate in any reference anywhere how these are to be lubricated. The felt-like spacer seems to be very dry. Is there a lubricant that I should be applying to the material or is this correct to be left non-lubricated? It seems odd that other parts of the front end steering linkage, the ball joints, etc. all have grease fittings, but this component does not. I believe that the idler arm is correct for my car.

Any info to help educate me is appreciated....Thanks everyone.

[Donald T.]

Re: 1969 Front Suspension

Sal,

Original idler arms do not have grease fittings. You can check and see if it has the GM markings to determine originality. The attached pic is an NOS idler arm for non-power steering. Power steering idler arms have a different number cast into the part. There really isn't any maintenance for this part other than replacement. Most of the replacement idler arms have the grease fittings.

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 1969 Front Suspension

Thanks Don....The part is original and is numbered as indicated on your photo and it is for a non-power steering car....My question is the nut holds the steering cross-arm and has a felt-looking "washer"...should this be lubed in any way? Why would a felt washer be used on the connection?

[Donald T.]

Re: 1969 Front Suspension

Sal,

The idler arm should have a plastic washer and a felt seal. The purpose of the felt seal is to prevent dirt from getting into the idler arm. There is no maintenance required for these parts.

[Salvatore I.]

Re: 1969 Front Suspension

Thanks!