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View Full Version : idler arm????

derek
11-13-2005, 05:29 PM
is an idler arm the same thing as a control arm?
i went to goodyear and they said i need new idler arm
is it just the bushing of the control arm or what?
they said 250$ but i told them where to stick that
Old Man
11-13-2005, 05:44 PM
Idler arm is mounted on the passenger side of the frame connected to the center link. Its probably one of the easiest if mechanically inclined to do in front suspession parts.2 bolts hold it onto the frame and one connector nut to the link. Undo the link nut first, give it a whack with a hammer to unseat it, then the bolts onto the frame. Then just install the new one reversed. Under $40 usually for the idler arm!
derek
11-13-2005, 05:56 PM
ok i searched autozone.com no luck
Old Man
11-13-2005, 06:09 PM
http://www.78ta.com/idler.htm

Not exactly the same, but more than close enough!!!
daryl
11-13-2005, 07:03 PM
So there is only one idler arm, I though it was two lol one connected to each control arm. Because I was told I have a bad one too, thanks for clarifying that there is only one that you need to replace :).
s10350racer
11-13-2005, 07:43 PM
the idler arm isnt part of the suspension its part of the steering system. it bolts to the frame and connects to the centerlink like old man said. pop off the cotter pin and nut and use a hammer and a pickle fork if you have one to knock it loose. then there are two bolts through the frame that you will need an extension to get to. really easy job to do if you have the time and you dont drop the nuts into the frame rail!
daryl
11-15-2005, 12:08 PM
When it starts to go does the steering get more sensitive and the truck will not track straight as easily? Because mine is a bit more sensitive now on slopes and what not and Midas said it was an idler arm, but I need to be sure they were not just trying to sell me something. They also said ball joints on the right side but I am going to do all four while at it, this stuff is just new to me and I don't always trust shops as they like to get people like to me to waste money.
Old Man
11-15-2005, 04:38 PM
Idler arms when they go bad tend to follow road tilts. It begins to shake at certain speeds and so on.
Balls joints once you got 80K on them and one gets bad, always do them all so that the alignment your paying for sticks, and is worth it!