Idler arm "refurb"

[snailpower]

I took my steering box out and removed the idler to clean the box and paint it. It wasn't giving me any problems and I don't want to replace if possible. As you can see in the photo though the boot came loose and I would imagine some contaminants got in.

Question, can I degrease it and just pump a bunch of new grease in and reuse? or should I just pump grease through it until it runs clean?

 

[65 Dartman]

You mean the Pitman arm, don’t you - idler arm is on the passenger side.

I would try ”the pump it with new grease until it comes clean” method. Others may have other solutions

 

[snailpower]

oops... yeah pitman. Long day at work.

 

[Murray]

There is some grease in it already so dirt and water can't really get in. Clean it up by hand the best you can then pump and work it until clean. For safety you might want to replace the hoses.