Table of Contents
What does a steering idler arm do?
The idler arm is designed to keep the center link parallel to the road surface while allowing the connection to swivel both left and right. The pitman arm is attached to the gearbox; it turns the center link as the driver steers the vehicle. The idler arm provides for swivel movement and resists up and down movement.
How long does it take to replace an idler arm?
A mechanic should be able to change the idler arm in about one hour or less, so you shouldn’t be quoted much more than that for labor. However, the cost per hour can vary quite a bit depending on where you take the vehicle and your geographic location.
How important is an idler arm?
Idler arms are particularly important for two reasons. First, as mentioned, the idler arm supports the right end of the track rod. Without it, the track rod would not hold the right wheel in place or turn it effectively, if at all. Second, the idler arm maintains proper toe angle.
Is an idler arm the same as a Pitman arm?
Generally, an idler arm is attached between the opposite side of the center link from the Pitman arm and the vehicle’s frame to hold the center link at the proper height. Idler arms are generally more vulnerable to wear than Pitman arms because of the pivot function built into them.
Can idler arms cause vibration?
Generally, worn steering parts such as idler arms, pitman arms and center links result in shimmy.
Is the pitman arm and idler arm the same?
How many idler arms does a truck have?
two idler arms
Essentially, the idler arm is a pivoting support for the steering linkage. The idler arm consists of a bracket, an arm that connects the bracket to the centre link of the steering linkage, and an internal pivot bearing. A few vehicles use two idler arms.
How much does it cost for the idler arm?
The average cost for idler arm replacement is between $191 and $329. Labor costs are estimated between $71 and $90 while parts are priced between $120 and $239. 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.
How do I adjust my idler arm?
To adjust parallelism, raise the vehicle on a frame-contact hoist. Then, depending on the vehicle, either loosen the idler arm mounting bolts and reposition the arm in the slots on the frame, or turn a threaded bushing at the base of the idler arm mounting bracket to change idler arm position.
Can worn idler arm cause excessive play in the steering system?
A steering wheel with too much play that shimmies, shakes, or vibrates too loosely can be a symptom of a bad idler arm. Poor steering likely means the ball joints are worn.
Are the pitman and idler arms the same?
Is an idler arm the same as a pitman arm?
How do you tell if pitman arm is bad?
The most common sign of a bad pitman arm is loose or unresponsive steering. When the pitman arm’s tapered hole is damaged, or its ball joint is worn, there will be enough play to make the steering feel vague when you turn the wheel.
Can idler arm cause death wobble?
Worn tie rods, idler arm, track bar, wheel bearings, pitman arm, steering center link and shaft, ball joints, alignment and even tire pressure can combine to cause the death wobble.