How is an idler arm removed?
Place the jack stand below the vehicle’s frame. Let down the vehicle easily onto the stand. Put a floor jack underneath the A-arm to prevent the vehicle from falling on you. Remove the cotter pin from the nut on the idler arm.
How do you replace an idler arm?
- step 1: Remove the wheel (1:00) Loosen the lug nuts.
- step 2: Remove the front shield (1:15) Use a 15 mm socket and ratchet.
- step 3: Remove the Idler Arm (1:25) Remove the 24 mm bolt securing the idler arm to the steering linkage.
- step 4: Install the new idler arm (4:34)
- step 5: Reassembly (7:25)
How long does it take to change a idler arm?
Replacing an idler arm takes only a few minutes with the proper tools. A ball joint separator will be used to separate the centerlink from the idler arm, and there will be few bolts that secure the idler arm to the chassis.
Can you drive with a bad idler arm?
If these arms fail completely, you will lose all steering in your vehicle. These types of issues should be dealt with immediately as the steering components are a major safety consideration. A bad or failing idler arm or pitman arm can cause your vehicle to not respond appropriately when you turn the steering wheel.
What happens if idler arm breaks?
A bad or failing idler arm or pitman arm can cause your vehicle to not respond appropriately when you turn the steering wheel. As a result, your vehicle may pull to one side of the road or the steering seems difficult to control.
What does a bad idler arm sound like?
What does a bad pitman arm sound like? If an idler arm is loose you will be able to see it moving around. Symptoms of a bad idler or pitman arm include lack of steering control, reduced steering response, swaying, car pulling to one side, and uneven wear on the tires.
Can idler arm cause loose steering?
The most common vehicle symptoms associated with a worn idler arm include wandering, tire edge wear, and loose or erratic steering.
Why do I need to replace my idler arm?
The idler arm is the pivoting support for the steering linkage. When repairing steering components it is often overlooked. As it wears, the extra movement could cause loose steering resulting in an over steer of the vehicle. Join us as we remove this old worn idler arm and install a new one.
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.