Function

• The idler arm connects to the driver's side of the steering linkage. The idler arm supports the left side of the steering linkage as the Pitman arm moves the steering linkage left and right.
  
  

Wear

• The idler arm has a ball and socket joint inside of it to allow it to turn back and forth with the Pitman arm. This ball and socket joint can slowly wear out over time, causing the idler arm to become loose and require replacement.
  
  

Replacement

• The idler arm has two bolts securing it to the frame and one nut that secures it to the steering drag link. When replacing the idler arm, torque the bracket-to-frame bolts to 78 foot-pounds and the nut holding the idler arm to the drag link to 40 foot-pounds.