01 Screw with 57,000 miles...
When getting my truck inspected last month the mechanic highly advised me to get a new idler arm, because it is bad. How can you tell if it is bad? I checked it out and it seemed to be tight, and I have greased it a few times in the 2 years that I have owned the truck. When it goes bad what does it affect?

 

I just replaced mine about 2000mi. ago and I have 60k. I first noticed alot of steering wheel shake and sloppy steering, also when I got under to look at it there was grease coming out of the seal. Did you have it on a lift when you checked it because the mec. may have been able to move it when it was in the air, I know that I checked mine on a lift. Dont know if that has anything to do with it but I would give it a try. Also it is really a simple job if you have the right tools. Go to auto zone and get them if you dont want to buy them and save some money. I have a DIY shop on my base so it is really simple for me. Hope this helps

 

Thanks, firedog
When I checked it, it was not on a lift, and if I remember right last time I greased it, some did squirt out of the seal.

 

Just grab the center link next to the idler arm and try to move it up and down. If it has any play replace it.

 

I checked for freeplay on my center link and it moved about 1/8 of an inch (up and down), so I replaced the idler arm. Now its nice and stiff, and it was easy to install.