Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

[Timothy N.]

I am installing the correct idler arm on my 65 and can not get a picture of the proper assembly at the centerlink end. The JG does not show or mention any rubber and/or white plastic washer on the end of the idler and the AIM just shows it as a total assembly. I believe there is a white nylon washer and a black foam washer that goes between the idler and the centerlink but I would like someone to verify that and that it is correct for 1965. Also if those two parts are correct, is the orientation centerlink, black rubber washer , white nylon washer and then idler ? Thanks Tim

[Alan D.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Here is one from a 64, think they were the same however I do not know.

[Gene M.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

The boot in the photo looks like it has a hole that is way too big. But the style of the boot looks ok.

[Timothy N.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

The picture attached is what LICS sells. I have been told also to just run with the white nylon washer and do not use the rubber black boot.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

The picture attached is what LICS sells. I have been told also to just run with the white nylon washer and do not use the rubber black boot.

Timothy------


The black rubber SEAL ("boot"), GM #3779196, was used on the bracket end of the idler arm, not on the ball stud (relay rod) end. That's why the hole appears too large. The seal on the ball stud (relay rod) end is the black, felt or foam rubber disc.

[Timothy N.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

So I think the white washer 3793578 goes on the ball stud correct? Thanks Tim

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

So I think the white washer 3793578 goes on the ball stud correct? Thanks Tim

Timothy------


The GM #3744796 seal goes on the ball stud first. This is followed by the GM #3793578 plastic washer.

[Timothy N.]

[Alan D.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

A little better photo of parts, see pn on part. My other picture needs some work so as not to confuse people, sorry.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

A little better photo of parts, see pn on part. My other picture needs some work so as not to confuse people, sorry.

Alan------


As I previously mentioned, this seal ("boot"), GM #3779196, is designed for the lever end of the idler arm assembly. The hole is too large to even be of any effect on the ball stud end. I don't know how it ended up on the ball stud end on your car.

[Timothy N.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Alan, Good picture. Thanks for that. Without these pictures , I was having trouble making sure I was getting it correct. The AIM that is usually my bible has it as a complete assembly with centerlink and no breakdown of the idler itself... Thanks again Tim

[Alan D.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Yes Joe you are correct, I need to make a new photo so as to no longer confuse people,
glad you cleared it up. Sorry!

[Gene M.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Boot goes on the shaft that mounts using 2 holes (flatted area) to the frame. It should fit snug on that shaft mount. Hole on first photo looks worn and enlarged. I have no idea what a “lever” end is.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Boot goes on the shaft that mounts using 2 holes (flatted area) to the frame. It should fit snug on that shaft mount. Hole on first photo looks worn and enlarged. I have no idea what a “lever” end is.

Gene------


The "lever" end is the end which attaches to the frame. The component of the idler arm assembly that attaches to the frame I call the "lever" or "bracket" end. Usually, I use the term bracket; I don't know why I used the term "lever". In any event, the idler arm assembly has only two "ends". I mentioned the "ball stud end" and the "lever" end. The ball stud end is obvious. So, the other end must be the "lever" end, the "bracket" end, or any other descriptor end.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct Idler Arm Assembly for a 65

Yes Joe you are correct, I need to make a new photo so as to no longer confuse people,
glad you cleared it up. Sorry!

Alan------


One more thing: the black seal is often referred to as "felt". However, the part number is an old part number that goes back well into the 50's era. It's possible that at one time they were felt material. By the C2 era, though, I think they had become made of a dense foam rubber. They did have sort of a "waffle" pattern on one side which is mimicked by the Long Island reproduction. I don't know why this level of detail since this pattern cannot be seen once the seal is installed and the linkage assembled.