How to Change an Idler Arm
An idler arm is used in a conventional steering system that utilizes a steering gear box. Its function is to hold up the drag link on the passenger side of the vehicle while the other end is attached to the Pitman arm. The Pitman arm is attached to the steering gear box and is the arm that is used to move the steering through the drag link. The drag link has a tie rod attached to it and is connected on the other end to the spindles. When the idler arm becomes worn the steering becomes extremely loose with excessive free play in the steering wheel.
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Things You'll Need
- Set of wrenches
- Set of 3/8-inch sockets
- 3/8-inch ratchet
- 3/8-inch 6-inch extension
- Tie rod remover
- Hammer
- Wire cutter
- Cotter pins
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
Instructions
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1
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Pull the cotter pin off idler arm shaft. Unscrew the nut on the idler arm shaft.
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2
Remove the drag link from the idler arm with the tie rod remover.
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3
Find the two bolts and nuts that run through the frame and hold the idler arm on. Remove them with the ratchet and the proper-sized socket. The size depends on vehicle year, make and model. The bolts run from the outside of the frame inward with the threads protruding through the frame and the idler arm. You will need the 6-inch extension to reach the bolts. They can be accessed through the holes provided on the outside of the frame. Use a wrench to keep the nuts from turning while you are unscrewing the bolts. Leave the bolts in the frame, but make sure they don't fall into the frame where they can't be reached.
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4
Pull the idler arm off, paying attention to its orientation. Orient the new idler arm the same way. When installing the new idler, be careful not to push the bolts into the frame. Hold the bolts with the socket and extension. Put the nuts on the bolts and tighten with the wrench and socket combination used in Step 2.
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5
Push the drag link onto the idler arm shaft. Put the nut on and tighten. Push the cotter pin into the hole for the cotter pin.
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