Idler Arm Question?

Sweden · May 9, 2009

I purchased my 2001 HD 6.0 used, and was told the idler arm was dead. The seller and I split the repair bill at a local shop. Fast forward 10 months and about 1200 miles. I go to get an alignment and the techs say they can't do without replacing the idler arm, shows me crazy amount of wiggle.

I'm told the 'idler arm' I originally replaced was only 1/2 the idler arm, and has since died again? Does this make any sense? I was only charged ~$70 for the part.

Can someone provide me with the OEM part number for the 'complete' idler arm?

Is this common? Should I plan on replacing the pitman as well? Any other concerns?

Vehicle has 108,000. Thanks for any/all comments.

old dog · May 11, 2009

I purchased my 2001 HD 6.0 used, and was told the idler arm was dead. The seller and I split the repair bill at a local shop. Fast forward 10 months and about 1200 miles. I go to get an alignment and the techs say they can't do without replacing the idler arm, shows me crazy amount of wiggle.

I'm told the 'idler arm' I originally replaced was only 1/2 the idler arm, and has since died again? Does this make any sense? I was only charged ~$70 for the part.

Can someone provide me with the OEM part number for the 'complete' idler arm?

Is this common? Should I plan on replacing the pitman as well? Any other concerns?

Vehicle has 108,000. Thanks for any/all comments.

it looks like their is two parts to the idler are wich one was it the upper unit bolted to rthe frame? what brand of part was put in and are you shure it was greased correctly (purge greased )http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/gpi?id=1825164739 moog parts are next best to stock

Wingnut · May 12, 2009

Moog parts are better than stock.

And yeah, the idler arm is two pieces, one bolts to the frame, the other to the steering. Grease fitting for the middle part.

When you replace the idler arm, it's always a good idea to replace the pittman arm as well...Wouldn't hurt to do the drag link (center link, whatever you call it) too.

My '89 chewed through idler arms like it was a sport, and the only one that lasted was the Moog.

If you can find a part number for the Moog for your vehicle, shoot me a PM with it. I've got one laying on a shelf (pretty sure I've got the pittman arm too) that I'd let go for a song (they cost me close to $300 back in '98 or so).

old dog · May 12, 2009

Moog parts are better than stock.

And yeah, the idler arm is two pieces, one bolts to the frame, the other to the steering. Grease fitting for the middle part.

When you replace the idler arm, it's always a good idea to replace the pittman arm as well...Wouldn't hurt to do the drag link (center link, whatever you call it) too.

My '89 chewed through idler arms like it was a sport, and the only one that lasted was the Moog.

If you can find a part number for the Moog for your vehicle, shoot me a PM with it. I've got one laying on a shelf (pretty sure I've got the pittman arm too) that I'd let go for a song (they cost me close to $300 back in '98 or so).

the numbers i came up with are the arm itself improved design k6535 w/o frame bracket $106.99, frame bracket looks like a improved design with a hose kit to make it easer to grease ,man that would be great k6723 $84.99 from oreileys

Wingnut · May 12, 2009

Is that the Moog part number?

old dog · May 12, 2009

Is that the Moog part number?

yes that is the moog part number .

txab · May 12, 2009

Moog parts are better than stock.

And yeah, the idler arm is two pieces, one bolts to the frame, the other to the steering. Grease fitting for the middle part.

When you replace the idler arm, it's always a good idea to replace the pittman arm as well...Wouldn't hurt to do the drag link (center link, whatever you call it) too.

My '89 chewed through idler arms like it was a sport, and the only one that lasted was the Moog.

If you can find a part number for the Moog for your vehicle, shoot me a PM with it. I've got one laying on a shelf (pretty sure I've got the pittman arm too) that I'd let go for a song (they cost me close to $300 back in '98 or so).

the numbers i came up with are the arm itself improved design k6535 w/o frame bracket $106.99, frame bracket looks like a improved design with a hose kit to make it easer to grease ,man that would be great k6723 $84.99 from oreileys

Check Rockauto.com. Your prices are about $40 too high.

Sweden · May 31, 2009

You guys are a great help, many thanks.

Does anyone have a part number for the center link? (Moog or OEM) The fools at my local parts shop can never be trusted, showed me a rod that looked about 4" diameter, didn't sound right.

Just looking at everything under there, it doesn't look like I'll need to completely remove the other end of the tie link to replace this, is this accurate? On the off change it does need to come off, can you help with a recommendation on replacing the bushing as well? BTW, does anyone make a complete poly bushing set for these vehicles?

txab · May 31, 2009

You guys are a great help, many thanks.

Does anyone have a part number for the center link? (Moog or OEM) The fools at my local parts shop can never be trusted, showed me a rod that looked about 4" diameter, didn't sound right.

Just looking at everything under there, it doesn't look like I'll need to completely remove the other end of the tie link to replace this, is this accurate? On the off change it does need to come off, can you help with a recommendation on replacing the bushing as well? BTW, does anyone make a complete poly bushing set for these vehicles?

Did you try looking it up online? Check rockauto.com or many other online parts sources