Idler arm failure

[Mikewazowski]

So I noticed a while ago that my red 610 has been making a knocking noise when going over small and large bumps, even at low speed. I checked my suspension since I'd recently lowered it but everything seemed tight. The car seemed to handle and steer ok but I was still concerned.

I jacked it up today and found that something is seriously wrong with my idler arm. Check out the play: (you are looking at where the idler arm attaches to the body)

Idler Arm 002 (Small).jpg

Idler Arm 004 (Small).jpg

You can see in the next pic that the washer/rod assembly that goes through the idler arm isn't located in the centre as it's all loose.

Idler Arm 008 (Small).jpg

Idler Arm 007 (Small).jpg

That shows the damage where the steering has been connecting with the sump due to the excessive movement.

I've had a look in the manual but it doesn't have any exploded diagrams of the internals of the idler arms.
Is mine missing a bush? Is that why it is so loose?
Can I buy something to fix it, or do I replace the entire Idler arm?

[grant76]

if its the same as the 1200 design there's 2 cylinder type bushes with a lip on one end that go in each end of the tube bit to prevent excessive movement. The last set i replaced still had the end of each bush (the little lip that sticks out) but inside the tube had disintegrated. Superpro and nolathane do replacement bushes (10mins to replace??) can probably still get rubber bushes also. Can also buy complete idler assemblies from supercheap/repco/bnt (last time i checked was $80-100ish).

SPF0563K superpro idler bush part number from stocks

[Bartman]

Every datsun I've ever owned has needed those bushes replacing at some stage.

[Mikewazowski]

Sweet, looks like I'll be getting some new bushes for it then. Cheers team.