2003 Chevy S-10 Idler Arm

LUCKYLINDY

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

Just had new tires put on my S-10 at Dobbs Tire and Auto. They routinely check alignment when putting on tires. They called and said that before alignment I would need a new idler arm. They said tech got tires on and started to check alignment and there was a lot of "play" in the idler arm- 1/4". I stopped them, brought the truck home, jacked it up and looked at the idler arm. My son turned the wheels while I was looking and I saw no play. I tried to move the idler arm by hand and it wouldn't move at all. Saw no play. Was I being "sold up" or did I not check this right? Thanks for your help.

1 Reply

SWILLIAMS

MECHANIC
597 POSTS

The usual wear on the idler arm makes it shift up and down when it's worn. With 88K on it a worn idler is very possible. You can change it yourself IF you take a few measurements before you pull the old one. Put the vehicle up so you can get to it. Now LOCK the steering and measure from the idler arm nut to three different points on the frame. Then mark the position of the current idler on the frame. Now remove and replace the arm. Now make sure you located it so the end of the arm is in the same place as the old one. The marks may be close but that depends on how good the part matches the old one.