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 Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
#734053
06/28/06 04:58 AM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,010
OP
Body Damage is Cool
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my idler arm has some play in it and i was wondering if there is any danger of it breaking while going around a turn and causing me to lose control. So what exactly happens when youre idler arm does break? any stories?
87 22R PU, 2? body lift, 33? BFG muds, 4.88's, F&R Lock-Rights, Rancho Shocks, EB's Street RV Head w/ 268 Cam, LCE Header, 2" to 2 1/4" exhaust, Flowmaster 50 series, Magnaflow high flow cat, complete Herculined SR5 interior, V6 BB, MC, and calipers.
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: 87Toy4x4]
#734054
06/28/06 07:06 AM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 669
Rock Warrior
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i've never heard of one breaking, not that that means much. i got a total chaos one when i realized that mine was sloppy enough to allow the center link to hit the oil pan. that might have only happened under exceptional circumstances though. that was with a downey brace i might add. it still drove down the road ok...
"I am a shrubber, my name is Rodger the Shrubber. I arrange, design, and sell shrubberies"
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: 87Toy4x4]
#734055
06/28/06 07:21 AM
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Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,049
Body Damage is Cool
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my idler arm has some play in it and i was wondering if there is any danger of it breaking while going around a turn and causing me to lose control. So what exactly happens when youre idler arm does break? any stories? You will lose steering. If there is any doubt, replace it. Danny
1985 SR5 4Runner
eLocked with Carter Lock
4.7:1 single case
Davez Offroad twin stick
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: 87Toy4x4]
#734056
06/28/06 08:16 AM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 15,887
Toyota & Classifieds Moderator
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The less slop, the better, esp given our roads and driving conditions. I'd think if you enjoy catchin' air with your truck, to keep on top of things for safety's sake. I've been *quite* grateful the one tie rod failure I had was under 20 mph----ZERO control...just coasted to a stop. THIS is a very good writeup for those who would like some tips about inspecting their front end components. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
http://www.walkablecommunities.org/Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. **ubi apis- ibi salus**
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: 87Toy4x4]
#734057
06/28/06 08:22 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,568
Roll Me Over
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I haven't heard of one breaking either, however as mentioned if it did break, you wont have any steering. Either buy a rebuild kit if it can be rebuilt, buy a new one, or at least get a used one from a wrecking yard that is in better condition than the one you have.
More than tread lightly. Leave it like you were never there, nor anyone else.
'90 X-cab 4.88's 33 BFG AT's, rr ARB, Headers, Ignition upgrade, cold air induction.
'91 X-cab 5.29's 315's BFG MT's, rr ARB, custom bumper and flatbed
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: 87Toy4x4]
#734058
06/28/06 05:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 43
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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Unless your idler arm is visibily bent, you should be able to rebuild it by replacing the seals and dust cover. Here are step-by-step instructions of how to do so. http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/idler/
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: kmat123]
#734059
06/28/06 06:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 94
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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I just replaced mine. I went to get it aligned after replacing the gearbox and p/s pump but they couldn't because of the idler arm. The mechanic had it up on a lift and he could lift the tie rod up and pull it down a whole 4 inches (moving the tires in and out). I would recommend replacing it asap cause its tearing up your tires.
88 V6 4Runner, 2" 4Crawler body lift, 2" suspension, 32x11.50 Pro Comps
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: Rodgertheshrubber]
#734060
06/28/06 08:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,282
Roll Me Over
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oh... i have... our club's ( www.gettingoff4x4.net <- cheap plug) trip to the DUSY trail, about an hour into it (of the 3 day trip), one of us broke his idler arm right at the 90 degree bend. the shaft cleanly sheared off the arm... fortunately, i had a spare to loan the guy...
leo d. 90 4runner, v6, auto, WCOR CitB kit, marlin duals, arb rear, tt front 4.88, blah, blah, blah... Pres. of TEAM IFS! and GETTING OFF 4WD Club member
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: ldivinag]
#734061
06/28/06 10:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Body Damage is Cool
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Never seen one break, but I gotta replace mine annually and I notice a huge difference. Its hard enough driving in a straight line with no sway bar and 35's, but with a worn idler arm I have trouble staying in my lane above 50mph. Replace that and I can steer straight again.
Don't bother buying the "reinforced" one for like 300 dollars or whatever it is. Just get a 75 dollar Moog and save the receipt so you get a new one under warranty in <1 year. Takes literally 10min to change.
-Scerb
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Re: Dangers of Idler Arm Breakage?
[Re: Scerb]
#734062
06/29/06 03:15 AM
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 669
Rock Warrior
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before you say "reinforced" like that in quotes, have you ever seen one? if you held it in your hand you would have no doubt that it is really heavy duty. not for everyone, (i guess especially not for people who like to keep changing parts), but the thing is wicked beefy.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
"I am a shrubber, my name is Rodger the Shrubber. I arrange, design, and sell shrubberies"
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