Cascade Crew

turbo_jimi · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:53 pm Post subject: Idler Arm Issue

This is for my 98 Blazer 4x4. Having trouble installing the new Idler Arm. Once the 2 bolts are fastened to the frame, the joint will not go throught the hole on the steering linkage. It is angled downward toward the drivers side. Any advise or help appreciated. I already checked the some Blazer forums and can't see where I'm going wrong.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:12 am Post subject:

Get some vice grips and a rag, grab the other end of the joint and pull it into alignment.

Remember that the idler arm is just one or two small balljoints and a bar. It moves around constantly as you drive. Wink

Sounds like you diagnosed your front end issues?

turbo_jimi · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:43 am Post subject:

I got it installed correctly now...took about 10 minutes once i realized it was backwards. Rolling Eyes

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:45 am Post subject:

Haha... nice. Laughing

So was that the front end shimmy issue all along?

turbo_jimi · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:50 am Post subject:

I'll have to take it in for an alignment, but the steering already feels "stiffer" than before. I'm going to see if Les Schwab or Firestone will install my pitman arm for me...that looks like a bear that I don't want to deal with, especially if i have to use the pitman removal tool from harbor freight.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:03 am Post subject:

Rent one at Blatozone.

RSFreak · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:07 pm Post subject:

What James is saying is that there is a cross member right under the pitman arm that will make getting the puller on the arm damn near impossible. Wink

turbo_jimi · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:53 pm Post subject:

I'd have to pull the steering box out to remove the pitman arm. I'll pick the Blazer up tomorrow from Les Schwab. They're just doing the alignment which should bring a vast improvement overall.

RSFreak · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 3:00 pm Post subject:

We'll have to research it some more. There has to be a way to remove the pitman arm. Cool

RK82 · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:54 pm Post subject:

not sure about the blazers but I've done a few on the full size chevy trucks if you unbolt the steering box from the frame you can maneuver it enough to get a puller on it.

turbo_jimi · Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:33 am Post subject:

I figured that much...but it's back on the road now doing alright.