69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

[Chuck G.]

Bought a nice used original idler arm for the 69, with the right forging #, no grease fittings, etc. Popped off the one on the car, a GM replacement. Noticed a foam "seal" or "gasket" around the connection to the relay rod. This round seal goes around the "pin" that goes through the relay rod. Checked the AIM, and since this was an assembly, this seal isn't noted. Was this seal on "original" cars? Checked some of the catalogs, and they sell a "seal kit". Suggestions? Thanks. Chuck

[David D.]

Re: 69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

Chuck, The foam seal is used on most replacement arms. The original may have used a rubber concave seal, like the type used on the tie rod ends. But, I believe it was molded in place on the original arm. Dave

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

Helped a friend work on his very original 67 today. Checked his idler arm, the original. It had an off white plastic "disc" on the relay rod side of the bolt. You could also see a round black rubber seal which covered the pivot area of the bolt above this disc. Anyway, ordered the so called "seal kit" from CC. For $4.75, I couldn't go wrong. Any other thoughts on this? Chuck

[David D.]

Re: 69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

Chuck, Sounds like what you need. I forgot about of the plastic disc. Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

Chuck----

The felt "seal" and plastic "washer" were used on original installations and were of GM #3744796 and GM #3779196. These parts are both GM-discontinued, but available in reproduction form as you've found.

The purpose of these parts was to "seal out" road dirt and grime and NOT to "seal in" grease. So, these parts are NOT a grease seal.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 69 Idler Arm To Relay Rod Connection

Thanks to all for your help. Chuck