I have my truck (2003 F150 4X4) at the shop today to get a few things fixed, and one of them was the one of the steering arms. It's not the pitman arm connected to the steering box, it's the one on the passenger side connected to the frame. It looks like it's leaking grease, but the tech said it was normal. Is this normal?

Also, what are you all paying for a standard front end alignment? I think I might be getting shafted.

Thanks!

 

That is the idler arm.

And prices for alignment vary, but Ive seen $40 and under, and Ive seen over $100. I'd say $60 or less is a good range, just make sure its a reputable shop.

 

Well

 

Thanks Johngs, but is the grease seeping around the idler arm normal? I've had a 98 and a 02 F150 also, and I never had a problem with them.

Yeah, the stealership was gonna charge me $255 for an alignment (parts and labor), then they called back to say the toe in needed adjusting and the tires rotated since one of the tires is causing the pull to the right, so it would cost me somewhere around $50. I called the local Midas, they charge $75 for a complete front end alignment. Frikkin' dealerships.

 

Hi jdpollen,

I would think some grease is normal but in my case it was totally caked on. According to the dealer mine needed to be changed so I changed it myself this weekend. It was one of the easiest jobs I've ever done. My truck is a 2WD so it was simply 2 frame bolts and one on the center link. I replaced it with a Moog and also did the stabilizer links at the same time (also Moog). If you're truck is wandering, or the steering seems "sticky" while cornering you might be in need of a new idler. After replacing mine the difference is huge. No more wandering and the front end does seem tighter over bumps.

Don't know if this helps but this is what I experienced.

FStrike

 

Thanks FStrike. I got my truck back from the dealership friday and they fixed the steering. It did wander a little, but they attributed it to faulty tires, but it drives fine now.