I ran the SLR steering kit for over 2 years and replaced a lot of idler arm bushings on it too. It was one of the first 5 kits they sold.

Their brass ones didn't last worth a damn, so I used factory plastic ones after the brass ones died and I could get about 2-3 months of hard use out of a set....at least the stock ones were cheap.

Just thought I'd throw that in there. I have a used Calmini kit with new idler bushings ready to go on my X. Are you guys overtorquing the idler arm by chance? I haven't heard of any locals having this issue with their Calmini kits.