How much should it cost to replace idler arms?
The average cost for idler arm replacement is between $276 and $295. Labor costs are estimated between $71 and $89 while parts are priced at $205. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Is the idler arm the same as the pitman arm?
The Pitman Arm, also known as the “steering arm,” is the main player while the idler arm supports the other side and allows the proper movement to take place when you turn the wheel. If your steering has gotten sloppy they may need replacement.
When to replace the pitman arm on a truck?
If you’re going to replace the Pitman arm do it now before you reinstall the idler. With the idler removed the center link will drop down allowing you to pull the Pitman arm out. Once you do it you will see what I mean.
Can a pitman puller be used to remove an idler?
You should use a Pitman puller, but some pitman pullers don’t fit on the idler so you’re forced to muscle it off with a pickle fork. Trim some metal off of the inside of your Pitman puller and you can use it to remove the idler.
How do you replace the idler arm on a truck?
Place the idler arm’s bolt in the centerline. Insert the new bolts through the frame making sure to put the new washers under the bolt heads. Position the idler arm so the frame bolts slide through the bolt holes. Install the washers and the nuts. Torque to your car’s specs.
How do you remove a Pitman from an idler arm?
Use a pickle fork or a puller to separate the Pitman from the centerlink. You should be able to remove the Pitman by pulling down on the centerlink and slipping it out. If you’re doing both the idler arm and the Pitman today, this is where you will appreciate the fact that you have not installed the idler arm yet.
Can you get the idler with a 3 groove Pitman?
I’d go as far as to get the idler with bracket yes. If that has never been greased especially. Some people miss that top grease fitting on the bracket. If the pitman is 3 groove, the idler should be as well, same if it is 4 groove, the idler should match.
Is the idler arm based on the Pitman splines?
If you buy the idler arm with the mount bracket and not just the idler arm, you would have to match up the spline count on the arm you take off. On the pitman, it is based on the pitman splines out of the steering gear.
How to replace your pitman arm or steering arm?
Lower the truck down on the jack stand and remove the wheel. You have to remove the big nut that holds the Pitman arm to the steering box. In this case, it was a 1-5/16 nut that was torqued to 180 ft lbs. I used a 3/4″ drive socket and a big mother breaker bar. I was all ready for a battle, and it turned out that the nut was hardly tight at all.