Idler Arm

Inspect
1. Raise the vehicle. Be sure that the front wheels rotate freely, the steering mechanism turns freely and the wheels are positioned straight ahead.
2. Position a dial indicator against the top of the idler arm grease cap.
3. Place a spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm.
- Apply a 110 N (25 lb) force forward and then rearward.
4. Measure the total distance the idler arm moves under the applied force specified.
- Allow no more than + 3.18 mm (1/8 inch) deflection in each direction, for a total of 6.32 mm (1/4 inch).
5. Replace the idler arm if it fails this test. Refer to "Idler Arm."

Important:
- Jerking the right wheel and tire assembly back and forth to cause an up and down movement of the idler arm is NOT an acceptable testing procedure. There is no control on the amount of force being applied to the idler arm.
- Loose idler arms or other suspension or steering system defects can create a shimmy condition. Shimmy problems may also originate at the wheel and tire assembly from dynamic imbalance, runout or force variations, or even road surface irregularities. Consider all possible causes of a shimmy complaint.