steering idler question

[ronb1967]

Hi all just took delivery of my new steering parts and noticed that the arm in the idler housing is a very tight fit inbetween the bushes, is this correct ? im wondering its like this so that it helps to centralise the steering/ can someone confirm please
Ron   

[Rusty's Uncle]

Hi Ron , I fitted a new steering idler last year and as you say you can hardly move them by hand but once fitted they are fine. My very reliable and thorough MOT man had told me that my one was going to need replacing so I did. It looked fine to me but looser than the new one. I tightened the nut on the big bolt about three quarters of a turn and it was as good as the new one. Oh well at least I have a good spare 

[ronb1967]

Thanks for replying, after a road test the steering still seamed a bit vague with nearly 3 inches of play at the steering wheel, the only thing left was to take out the steering box and adjust the top sector adjustment screw, which brought the play at steering wheel end down to an inch, is this acceptable or should there be no free play