How to Replace an Idler Arm to a Chevy Van
The idler arm on a Chevy van is a pivoting support to the steering linkage opposite the pitman arm connecting the center link. It pivots during steering. Mounted to a bracket attached to the frame on one end, the idler arm supports the ball joint on the other. Because of its pivoting function, the idler arm is more susceptible to wear and tear than the pitman arm and requires replacement more often.
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Things You'll Need
- Set of dikes
- 1/2 inch drive ratchet
- 1/2 inch drive socket set
- Pitman arm puller (screw type)
- 1/2 inch drive breaker bar
- Floor jack
- Jack stands (2)
- Idler arm replacement
- Cotter pin (optional)
Instructions
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How to Replace an Idler Arm to a Chevy Van
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1
Raise the front end of the Chevy van and support it safely and securely on jack stands.
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2
Remove the cotter pin (if applicable) retaining the castle nut on the ball stud of the idler arm and throw it away.
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3
Remove the castle nut from the ball stud using the ratchet and a socket.
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4
Remove the bolts holding the idler arm to the rearward bracket using the ratchet and a socket.
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5
Unthread the pitman arm puller drive enough to properly place the grips over the base of the idler arm and tighten the threads of the drive snug enough to hold the pitman arm in place. Using the ratchet and a socket, tighten the thread drive of the pitman arm puller until the idler arm separates from the rod.
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6
Reverse the procedure to install the new idler arm. Tighten the castle nut properly in order to align the hole ball stud of the idler arm to the slot in the nut and allow the cotter pin to retain the nut. Do not back off the castle nut to align the cotter pin, only tighten. If necessary, use a breaker bar to tighten the castle nut to align properly.
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7
Attach the grease fitting to the new idler arm (if applicable) and fill the idler arm with grease using a grease gun until the grease purges slightly from the seal.
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8
Remove the tools and lower the van.
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