Idler Arm Replacement Cost

The idler arm of the vehicle, situated on the passenger side of the frame rail opposite of the Pitman arm, includes the ball joint, an arm and the pivot bushing. This part links the steering box to the center link, which enables the car’s wheels to turn and manage the passenger side steering. If this part were to malfunction, then the automobile will typically pull to one side, a loud sound while turning might be heard or one tire might be worn more than another.

As time goes on, just like any other car part, it will start to wear out in time.

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. In some cases, a mechanic might advise changing the Pitman arm during the repair work as this arm might use out in the future.

When it comes to the Do It Yourself jobs, the cost of parts, once again, depending upon the automobile you drive, can vary from $25 to $115 for parts from popular brand names such as Duralast and Rare Parts. At Auto Zone, for example, the best idler arms were priced anywhere from $20 to $75+.

Also read about the cost of Honda B123 Service, Heater core replacement, and Walmart tire installation.

With many individuals reporting the expenses they paid online, we assembled the prices and included our findings in the list below:

Car Type and Price Paid/Quoted

Ford F150 – $220
Chevy S10 – $310
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 – $475
Chevrolet Sports jacket – $330

A GM tech on JustAnswer stated the prices to replace the idler arm would be $200 for both parts and labor and would take around 45 minutes to be done.

The repair work

As soon as the idler arm is verified as the part that requires to be fixed, the vehicle will be elevated and the passenger side tire will be taken out.

Next, with the passenger side tire removed, the idler arm, typically, can be seen as it is the S-shaped part that links to the frame and the center link bar of the steering system. When identified, the cotter pin, which holds the idler arm in place, will be removed with a deep socket.

With the ratchet and socket, the castle nut, situated in the ball stud, will be taken out, together with the bolts, enabling the mechanic to release the idler arm from the frame.

In reverse, the brand-new idler arm will be set up in the exact same position as the old one, fixed with brand-new bolts and nuts.

When fixed, it will be greased, ensuring for a much better fit.

Indications of a bad idler arm

If your steering feels “sloppy” and you get the feeling as if your vehicle is moving 2 or more inches from side to side, even without turning, the part might be the culprit. The exact same can be stated if your vehicle were to hit a hole and the automobile moved sideways on its own.

If you believe the idler arm is defective, try to move the guiding wheel while it remains in park in a safe place. If the wheel can move significantly from side to side, without much resistance, then it might suggest the steering wheel parts, the idler arm particularly, might be the perpetrator. If the steering wheel has insufficient resistance, it’s usually an indication the idler arm is the issue.

What is an idler arm?

The idler arm, or frequently referred to as the idler arm assembly, is known to be the rotating assistance for the steering linkage. Generally, the idler arm will wear out quicker due to the pivot function constructed into the part. Because of this, the part must be lubed at each oil change if it is fitted with grease fittings.

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Alec Pow

Alec Pow is a thorough and methodical Financial and Business Analyst with over 15 years of experience in financial statement analysis, Foreign exchange derivative hedging instruments analysis, modeling, and risk management, with a long history of writing for big news publications like Forbes, MSN.com, Washington Post, and many more.

Idler Arm Replacement Cost