Folks I just got back from NTB and they're telling me that they're going to have to replace my idler arm before they can do my alignment, and in addition to that they're telling me that if I need and camber/caster adjustment they're going to have to install a $40 camber kit???

What gives here folks?

First of all, let me say that I can replace the components myself, but I'm a little behind on my steering component nomenclature. What I don't get is that the guy is telling me my idler arm needs to be replaced yet he's grabbing the freaking tie rod? What am I missing here guys or is it not called a tie rod on these new IFS trucks? Basically they quoted me something along the lines of $350 for the whole job, and I basically told them they were out of their minds and that I'd buy the parts and do the install myself. Question is, what do I really need? I have no doubts that the steering has a some play and probably needs new bushings at the very least, but what else? I just thought I'd post this here before I drive it over somewhere else and get a second opinion.

Anyway, I this is multiple questions all crammed together so answer as best as possible. Thank you in advance.

Tom

 

Could well need to be replaced.... how much of that $350 is parts, and how much is labor?

Your Idler arm essentially supports the passenger side of your steering linkage, keeping it parallel to the ground. Your Pittman arm drives the center link left and right, with the Idler arm holding up the other end - the tie rods connect the center link to your front wheels.

Since the idler arm has two pivot points, when it wears out it can throroughly hose your alignment - but it's not at all hard to change. It typically attaches to the inside of the front passenger side frame rail with two or three bolts, and attaches to the center link with a tie rod style ball joint.

Should be about an hour of shop labor (or less - any competent shop should be able to do it in half that) and around $75 for the part

Hope that clarifies things for you a little....

Allen

 

I install camber/caster kits in all the f150 trucks I alighn, he is not tring to hose you there. The idler arms are very tough I would get a second opinion, just to be sure.

 

I had the front end aligned on the last 3 F-150s I've owned. Never was a caster/camber kit mentioned to me. Did I not need them? All three were done under warranty.

 

I would also suggest a second opinion. I have not seen too many idler arms needing replacing on these trucks. At least none with less than say 75,000 miles on them. As far as the camber/caster bolts. Yes they need to be installed to be able to align the truck.

Greencrew, if you had it done under warranty than they were installed under warranty. Otherwise they could not align the truck.

 

My F150 has had a bad idler arm since about 65k. I don't know where you're looking and have never seen any F150s with less than 75k with bad idler arms. I've read over at world where people with only 15 to 20k on the truck with bad idler arms. Bottom line they don't last. 75k on one is almost a rarity it seems.

 

Hmmmmm. How do you explain that mine has over 150,000 on the original one? And my is lowered which places more stress on the steering linkage. Maybe the 4X4's wear them out faster because of the bigger tires.

 

Bigger tires don't help them at all thats for sure, but they still can't handle stock tires very well either. Both 2wd and 4wd get the same tire choices from the factory. It doesn't really make much difference if you have 4x4 or 4x2, the idler is just as flimsy either way. Some people can have really good luck, others end up replacing them every few thousand miles, and it seems that alot of ones I've seen on car lots and trucks of my friends need it after 50-60k.

 

155,000 on my 2wd f150 supercab and all original front end. driven only on pavement though.

 

That's probably the major difference affecting the life of the idler arm and other front end components. I never drive off road and most of my driving is in city and some straight line highway. I even dodge around potholes and I am expexting a long life from my front end *crosses fingers*.

BTW, the idler arm is the only thing on my front end that actually has grease fittings!

Good luck.