So, I went to get an alignment done on my truck today. $40 wasn't too bad. Well, I just got off the phone with the mechanic and he was telling me that I needed a new idler arm, inner and outer tie rod ends and 1.5 hrs of labor BEFORE they can do the alignment. He told me $362. So, is this good, bad, or is he screwing me over? One thing that sucks about not living at home, and not having a place to work is the fact that I can't do this crap here. So what do you guys think?

 

Sorry, but I have to bump this up again, I need to figure this out ASAP.

 

Take the truck back before any work is done. Check those components yourself for looseness or take it to another mechanic for a second opinion. If the second mechanic gives the same report, take it to whoever was cheaper or you think would do better work.

 

I got it back and all outer tie rods (left and right) are gone, and so are the bushings for the idler arm. Now i just need to find that page that shows how to replace the idler arm bushings.

 

So, who here has replaced their bushings on their idler arm? Also, how hard is it to pry off of the steering arm? I know a pickle fork or something of that nature is needed, but is it impossible, or can i do it?

 

Call up Doug at Doug's Auto Tune in Kirkland. Tell him Christian sent you. If he doesnt remember, tell him that I used to work at the detail place next door that went out of business 8 years ago, I bought his daughters 79 Supra, and tell him that I struck out his son Josh in a varsity baseball game back in 95 at Redmond High.

He is an honest guy, and should be straight up with you. Tell him exactly what you need.

 

Thanks for the help, but I'm in bozeman right now, plus I've already ordered the parts that I need for the idler arm. I'm just currious about how hard it is to get off.

 

Any one?

 

No one has had an issue with this?

 

Bump

 

OK, guys, there isn't a single person that can tell me how hard it is to take the idler arm off of my truck?

 

I had to replace the idler arm on my 91 pickup and it was a PITA. It was completely stuck on, and I ended up having to cut it off the steering spline with a sawzall.

E

 

Thank you.

 

Actually now that I think about it, I replaced the idler arm on my 92 4-Runner, and it came off with some pounding and a puller that I think I borrowed from Checker Auto Parts.

So I guess you won't really know until you try it.

Good Luck!

E

 

just replaced my idler arm the other day. between the cheep store name($40.00) and the moog($115.oo) both had life time warranty, and yes i know i could have bout 4 of the other but Moog makes such a great product and if you compare the two side by side, its a no brainer MOOG! o i have a 88 22re 4x4 and lift the front end off the ground just enough so they spin then remove lock nut then with your favorite hammer swing away lol i did it on my back took me less than 30 min, but i never new u could rebuild one?? glad i saved the old one, ill to take a look and see what i find..
good luck man

 

wow that was from 03 lol oops sorry just joined this site. but its the best one on the web by far!!!!!!