
How to Remove an Idler Arm.
- Step 1 – Check out the Idler Arm for Replacement. Jack the vehicle under the lower control arm of the passenger side. Hold the tire at three o’clock ...
- Step 2 – Removing the Idler Arm.
- Step 3 – Installing the Idler Arm.
Full Answer
How much does it cost to replace an idler arm?
The price of changing an idler arm, similar to almost any vehicle repair work, will depend on the automobile you drive and the mechanic you pick. The expenses, from what we found out, varied anywhere from $175 to $300 for both parts and labor.
How to diagnose a bad idler arm?
Idler Arm Replacement Procedure
- Locate and Take Out the Idler Arm. You may wish you had a lift for this type of job, but if you don’t have one, it’s okay. ...
- Take Out the Bolts Holding the Idler Arm. After the cotter pin and giant nut are removed from the idler arm, remove the two bolts securing the idler arm ...
- Separate the Idler Arm From the Centerlink. ...
- Install the New Idler Arm. ...
How to remove pitman arm without puller?
Removing pitman arm -what puller?
- CAR67. As the title says... ...
- Champ. I just ground a spare one down and made it fit. ...
- JoesEX
- jhardie. I think for less than $10 bought one from the local part store--that's after renting 2 different pullers that didn't work.
- CAR67. Thanks guys, I guess I'll go see what they have at my local auto parts.
- tex'n. ...
- jhardie. ...
- headn4thehills. ...
- flyinhigh. ...
- jhardie. ...
How to replace idler arm on Chevy truck?
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. Click to see full answer. Likewise, people ask, how do I take the idler arm off my Chevy truck?
How do you remove a stuck idler arm?
1:427:27How to remove ilder arms - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right now I got that out hopefully my air compressor doesn't kick on jack everything up but thisMoreAll right now I got that out hopefully my air compressor doesn't kick on jack everything up but this is called a pickle fork. And use this to separate it and then I just got my little free pound.
How do you replace an idler arm?
How To Replace Your Idler ArmTools You'll Need. This 3-jaw puller is used to remove gears and pulleys. ... Removing the Idler Arm. Remove the cotter pin, then crank that big nut off the idler arm. ... Remove the Idler Arm Bolts. ... Separate the Idler Arm from the Centerlink. ... Pause, then Reinstall the Idler Arm.
How do I remove idler arm from center link?
0:295:32Idler arm removal - Chevy/GMC Trucks and SUVs - GMT800YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to end up pulling that out pull that castle nut off and pop this up out of theMoreAnd we're going to end up pulling that out pull that castle nut off and pop this up out of the center link similar to what I did over there on the pitman arm and then back here.
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.
Is a pitman arm and idler arm the same thing?
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 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 you remove a drag link from a pitman arm?
Registered. 2 big hammers. The stud is tapered so if you place one heavy hammer preferably a sledge against the side of the piece (knuckle or steering arm which has the tapered hole) and smack the opposite side of the same piece. The force will compress the tapered hole and pop the tapered stud out.
How do you remove a seized pitman arm?
6:018:10How to remove a stuck pitman arm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo don't cut all the way through you just seem to make enough to where this outer ring can flex andMoreSo don't cut all the way through you just seem to make enough to where this outer ring can flex and it'll come off a lot easier.
What is a pitman arm puller?
Pitman Arm Puller. This puller is designed for the toughest Pitman arm jobs. They're adjustable and have rugged forged jaws shaped to fit the job. Two clamp bolts lock the jaws on the Pitman arm, ensuring a solid grip. Includes an adapter for added versatility.
What happens when your idler arm goes out?
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.
How do I test my idler arm?
0:371:38How to Diagnose a Bad Idler Arm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside is a very similar setup this tie rod ends. If I remove the boot you can see that there is aMoreInside is a very similar setup this tie rod ends. If I remove the boot you can see that there is a ball and socket joint in. There. If it loses all the grease or the boot becomes compromised.
How many idler arms are on a truck?
two idler armsEssentially, 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.
What is a steering idler arm?
Steering & Suspension 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.
When should pitman and idler arm be replaced?
It is best to have it looked at before you reach the 30,000-mile mark. There are many signs that your pitman arm needs to come in for an inspection. Some include loose or excessive “play” in your steering wheel, vehicle pulls to one side.
How much does a idler pulley cost?
Idler Pulley Replacement Cost The cost to replace the idler pulley of your driver belt will usually be somewhere between $80 and $200. The cost for the new part should only be anywhere from $40 to $90, while the cost of the labor will be anywhere from $40 to $110.
How do you change a pitman arm?
3:047:24Pitman Arm Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace it between the center link and the pitman arm. And give it a few blows. Here. There she goesMorePlace it between the center link and the pitman arm. And give it a few blows. Here. There she goes pops right loose. Get him down a little bit. Now. Go ahead and switch gears here grab.
How to install a bolt on an idler?
Place the idler arm's bolt in the centerline. Insert the new bolts through the frame making sure to put the new washers under the bolt heads. Position the idler arm so the frame bolts slide through the bolt holes. Install the washers and the nuts. Torque to your car's specs.
What is the difference between the idler and 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.
Can you use a Pitman puller on an idler?
Separating the idler arm and the center link can be a real pain. 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 .
Idler Arm Replacement – What Is An Idler Arm?
Idler arms and Pitman’s arms are the two most important components of a steering system that link the steering box not only to the center but also to the hub assemblies.
Idler Arm Replacement – How to do it
As I lay on the floor of my garage working my way with the truck, I could only think of how easy it would have been with a lift. It’s okay if you don’t have a lift though, since a jack can do the same work with just a little more effort.
What Is an Idler Arm
An idler arm (also called an idler arm assembly) is the pivoting support that links the steering to the vehicle’s front wheels and is a key component of its suspension system.
What Is a Pitman Arm?
A pitman arm converts a vehicle’s rotational motion into linear motion. In a vehicle steering system, the Pitman arm acts as a link that translates rotational motion from the steering wheel into the linear movement for steering.
What Does an Idler Arm Do?
The idler arm supports the pitman arm to assist in steering the vehicle as the wheels are turned using the steering gear.
Bad Idler Arm Symptoms
When you notice that your steering wheel has way too much movement after the tires react, you may have an issue with either the idler arm or the pitman arm.
What Causes Idler Arm to Go Bad?
Idler arms are durable if they are properly maintained, but depending on a person’s driving habits, road conditions that can vary depending on location and how often it is lubricated or not, idlers may wear out sooner than sooner planned.
Idler Arm Replacement Procedure
You may wish you had a lift for this type of job, but if you don’t have one, it’s okay. There are ways to ensure the vehicle is safe for you to work under.
Do I Need a Mechanic to Replace Idler Arm?
An auto mechanic is strongly suggested to replace your car’s idler arm. If you were to try and fix it yourself without proper knowledge or experience, you could cause more damage to your vehicle that would cost more money and hours in repairs.

Step 1 – Check Out The Idler Arm For Replacement
Step 2 – Removing The Idler Arm
- The idler arm comes with new thick bolts and washers. They are stronger than the grade eight bolts and washers previously used. Next, jack up the vehicle underneath the right A-arm. Remove the right side wheel. 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 preven...
Step 3 – Installing The Idler Arm
- You will need a new cotter pin to match and replace the one you just removed. The idler arm’s bolt should be placed in the center link. The idler arm should be positioned so that the frame bolt can slide through the bolt holes. When you insert the new bolts, make sure that the new washers are under the bolt head. Install the washers and nuts and torque to 60 ft lbs. Install the nut on the idl…