94 T4R Idler Arm

[92128 4Runner]

I need to replace my idler arms and I'd like to DIY. Is this a tough repair? I usually do my own brake pads and change my own oil. Any insight would be great. The dealer wanted $510 to do both sides. Thanks.

 

[jaylaw]

I did my passenger side idler arm this past weekend. I purchased it for $108 from carquest, and it took no long then 30 minutes. Take off the wheel and skid-plate, use an impact gun to romove the three bolts attaching it to the frame, finally use a rubber mallet to separate it from the tie rod( pretty sure it was connected to it)you can also hammer a steel wedge in to separate it. I hope my information is helpful and would recommend to do it yourself if your looking to save$$

 

[4runner_kid]

It isn't that hard at all, and doesn't take much time.

 

[92128 4Runner]

Thanks for the replies. Suppose I don't have access to an impact gun, would a nice big wrench and a hammer do the trick on those bolts? And also, after replacing it did you notice any difference in steering at all? Thanks.

 

[turboSR5]

Replacing a worn out idler arm is going to make a difference in steering, no more play all up in your steering wheel.

 

[92128 4Runner]

I did my passenger side idler arm this past weekend. I purchased it for $108 from carquest, and it took no long then 30 minutes. Take off the wheel and skid-plate, use an impact gun to romove the three bolts attaching it to the frame, finally use a rubber mallet to separate it from the tie rod( pretty sure it was connected to it)you can also hammer a steel wedge in to separate it. I hope my information is helpful and would recommend to do it yourself if your looking to save$$

One more question: why did it require a hammer to separate it from tie rod? It looks like there's a nut below it holding the two together, right? So unscrewing that nut wasn't enough to separate them? Or were they just seized together? Thanks a lot

 

[SCRunner12]

I just replaced mine a few weeks ago. It is really simple and straight forward. You don't need an impact gun but a breaker bar would be helpful or any kind of piping to gain leverage on the three bolts. Spray some PB Blaster on them for a few days before doing it to loosen up the nuts. A pickle fork works best to seperate it from the tie rod arm. The nut is the easy part but getting the idler arm off is a lot easier with a pickle fork. Just remeber to get an alignment after.