fj40 center arm adjustment

[roma042987]

Can someone please post the fsm procedure? I have searched multiple threads and all I seem to get is tighten cap snug then back off 1/4 turn or 1/2 turn. Surely the fsm has better instructions. Haynes doesn't cover it and my fsm is for 60 and 70 series heavy duty cruisers. Just installed a toyota rebuild kit and 1/4 to 1/2 turn it still has some horizontal shaft walk when oscillating the steering. Is that normal?

 

[roma042987]

 

[78fj40mg]

Try this from Jim C : http://www.rmlca.ab.ca/archives/landcruisers/1998/msg03456.html

There are 2 ways to determine if the bushing is really hosed. Method 1 is to
disassemble and inspect. That is a PITA. Method 2 is to try to adjust the
slop out of it. If the adjustment fails to remove most/all the slop, then it
is time for the rebuild kit.

> How does one adjust this center arm?

Loosen the 14mm lock-bolt on the top of the Center Arm (CA). Break loose the
big (24mm?) hex on top of the CA. Jack the front end up so the wheels are
off the ground. Grease the CA. Now begin tightening down the big hex
adjuster. What you are doing is screwing the whole top of the CA assembly
down onto the pivot, squashing it down into the tapered housing, and hopefully
removing the slop. I have a helper turn the steering wheel back & forth,
while I run the adjuster down. When the steering wheel gets heavy, then back
it off a little bit to where the steering is just getting heavy. Tighten the
lock-bolt and set it down on the ground. Take it for a test drive. If the
steering seems too heavy, or the steering wheel doesn't return to center
freely, then the adjustment is too tight. If, with the weight of the vehicle
back on the tires, the CA still shows visible wobble when the steering is
wiggled, then the adjustment was ineffective and a new kit is required.

 

[45Kevin]

Sorry about the sideways version, but my rotate picture didn't work. This from my FSM. It doesn't add much to what you already know.

 

[78fj40mg]

Here's another option from @Coolerman : http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/fj40/21b.htm

 

[roma042987]

thanks for posting the fsm photos. I tried blow the picture up and its not real clear does it say back off 1/2 or 1/4 turn? I did read the rmlca and coolermans pages prior to posting. my biggest question now is it supposed to have some horizontal movement? At first thought I wouldn't expect it to with a new kit but the more I think about it the more it makes sense. they could have just used a spindle there if they didn't want it to have some side to side movement. I think the movement comes from the spring compressing and theoretically even if the spring was removed and shims installed in its place then it would truly have no movement. I certainly don't plan on doing that.

 

[cea1]

The FSM simply says to grease all the parts, then tighten the large nut/cover down and then back it off 1/4 turn. After that, tighten the small bolt to lock it down. Sometimes 1/4 turn is too little or too much and can use adjustment. I had one that still moved horizontally with a new Toyota rebuild kit, and the housing was bad; too much wobble for the main bushing so the whole internal assembly moved. I put the same kit in a different housing and it works great. Too bad Joint Fuji doesn't have the entire assembly available anymore.

 

[1979 FJ40ish]

I am resurrecting this older thread because I have the same issue/question that Roma had but was never addressed. I rebuilt the center steering arm on my 79 FJ40 but still have some LEFT to RIGHT movement at the bottom of the center arm shaft when the steering wheel is turned. Is movement normal?

 

[merbesfield]

I am resurrecting this older thread because I have the same issue/question that Roma had but was never addressed. I rebuilt the center steering arm on my 79 FJ40 but still have some LEFT to RIGHT movement at the bottom of the center arm shaft when the steering wheel is turned. Is movement normal?

wondering if this was ever answered.

 

[1979 FJ40ish]

wondering if this was ever answered.

No one ever replied to my question.

I tightened the top of the center steering arm assemble and that took out nearly all of the movement.

 

[merbesfield]

No one ever replied to my question.

I tightened the top of the center steering arm assemble and that took out nearly all of the movement.

I am getting ready to do the same thing.