How to Change an Idler Arm

An idler arm is used in usual steering system that makes use of a steering gear box. Its purpose is to hold up the drag linkage on the rail user side of the car at the same time as the other end is close to the Pitman arm.

The Pitman arm is normally attached to the steering gear box and is the arm that is employed to shift the steering by means of drag link. The drag link has a secure rod attached to it and is associated with the other closing point to the spindles. When the idler arm becomes shabby the steering becomes awfully loose with extra free play in the steering wheel. At this stage, you need to change idler arm of your car, so that its performance stays finer.

What you will need:

To change the idler arm, you may require the following items:

• New idler arm
• 3/8-inch sockets
• 3/8-inch extension (6-inch long)
• 3/8 ratchet
• Wrench
• Tie rod remover
• Floor jack and jack stand
• Wire cutter

Course of Action:

• Start up with searching out the jack stands and cautiously lift and hold up the car as well.
• Now, find the idler arm and take off the nut on the shaft by means of the accurate sized wrench.

• Remove the drag link from the idler arm, with the tie rod remover.

• Next step is to search for the two nuts and bolts that are running through the frame. Basically these nuts and bolts are holding idler arm on.

• Now take them off by using a ratchet and socket. You will probably make out that the bolts are running from outside of the frame to its inside, as the threads stick out through the idler arm and the frame.

• About 6 inch extension will be helpful for you to reach the bolts. There are holes presented on the outside of the frame, you can get to them through it.

While taking off the bolts, keep them at a place, where you can reach out easily afterward.

• Now, it is time to work out with idler arm. You have to remove it with awareness. At this moment, put back the new idler arm. Try to put back the bolts carefully; you may make use of socket as well as extension to latch on to them.

• Now, push the drag link back on your idler arm’s channel, next put back the nut and make tighter it too.

• Shove a cotter pin in its particular hole.

You may change idler arm of your car on your own after having complete knowledge but it is better to hire a professional person to do it as he can do it with more correctness as compared to you. Hence, in this way you may change your car’s idler arm which is not functioning well.