I own a 2002 Supercrew with about 30,000 miles. It’s lifted with a RCD 5" Lift and I’m running 315/75/16’s. I’m starting to think my Idler Arm may need replacing. My question is, what are the symptoms of a bad idler arm or how do I know when it’s time to replace it?

Thanks for your help.

 

when the belt is loose or the bearing whines.

 

ford390gashog,

Thanks for the reply. Boy do I feel stupid! I thought the idler arm was a component of the steering system? I asked the question because the last time I had the truck inspected they told me the idler arm was worn. I'm not hearing any noises from under the hood, what should I be experiencing if I do in fact have a worn idler arm?

Thanks again.

 

it might be a confusion on terms. what the dealer said, or what you heard. the tensioner pulley is on a spring loaded arm and some guys call that the "idler". that is a fan belt tensioner.---- the suspension steering "arm" goes from the steering box to the tie rod on the left side truck frame between the front wheels. the right side of the tie rod is held in position with an anchor and ball joint to the right truck frame. I have heard some guys call this the "idler". your dealer might have refered to that.--- jack both front wheels a couple inches off the ground and set on the A- frames so the truck settles back down to its noormal position relative to the tires. with each tire 2 inches off the ground, see if you can grab one wheel with both hands and try to steer left- right while your buddy watches the other wheel. if one side moves quite a bit relative to the other, the frame anchor i mentioned above might be worn.-- while it is up, stick a pipe or 2 x 4 about 4 ft long under the tire about 6 inches. pry up and down and see how much slop is in the lower ball joint before you start lifting the entire truck. then do the other side. if the "idler" is bad, the ball joints might be going also.