Failed my state inspection this morning due to "too much play in the idler arm". How hard/what is the procedure to replace this part? Would much rather replace it myself for $95 and my time, instead of $150 + $80.

While replacing the power steering belt...which I guess requires removal of the radiator/fan... I found out the timing belt also needs replaced. Any tips on replacing one on a 95 LS?

I replace or repair mine every 2 years. Not that difficult to remove. 3 bolts and pop apart the taper pin end. Mine has nylon bushings that can be replaced. Again easy to take apart and replace. Actually, don't need to pop apart the taper pin (unless that end has slop too). just remove the 3 mounting bolts and the top nut to dissassemble.

Idler - Yeah that's a 30 minute fix at most. Either you must have a really bad idler or your state inspection is the pits <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Timing belt - there's guys here that have been there with the 3.0L. I'd change your thread subject to get some attention on it. I believe there may be a recall on the crankshaft pulley bolt.

The idler arm is four bolts holding it to the frame, and one tapered fit that goes into the center link.

A 2 arm gear puller makes the job easier but it is not necessary by any means.

You need to take out the cotter pin and back off the castellated nut a little bit. If you don't have a gear puller just use a sledge to hammer on the center link until you break the taper. You can hammer on the bottom of the nut also, but only if you are using a new arm and a new nut. Otherwise you deform the top of the nut and it doesn't reinstall properly.

Once the arm is free from the center-link undo the four bolts that hold it to the frame.

Rinse and repeat. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I have only done the timing belt on the older 3.0's and the 3.5, but I am sure some one else will chime in. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

PS: 95 sounds steep for that part. Check out mitsubishiparts.net to see if you can get it a little cheaper.

Sledgehammer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> sounds like my type of repair <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> . I haven't driven the truck for maybe 400 miles in the last 2 years due to 2 knee surgeries, so I never realized the steering was so sloppy until I drove it today for the inspection. I'm going to assume the idler arm got its work over at the same time I broke my catalytic convertor mounts..... They installed a few "speed bumps" (dug ditches) on a road to one of my favorite hunting spots..... When taken at ~40mph you get a nice 5 ft. jump for about 6 yards or so lol. The bad part is it took 3 such jumps for me to remember that they "worked" on the road <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Hand sledge. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />