The stock idler arm sucks (we all know that, right?). The frame end bushings can be replaced, but the centerlink end of it cannont. The center link (aka relay rod) on the IFS is supposed to only move left and right, but there are up and down forces on it that make it want to rotate as well.
Here is what happens when your idler arm wears out. This is on my T100. The idler probably has 30k commuter miles on it and it hasn't even really been offroad.
![[Linked Image]](http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n62/erikbeeb/th_MVI_0805.jpg)
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n62/erikbeeb/?action=view¤t=MVI_0805.flv ![[Linked Image]](http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n62/erikbeeb/th_MVI_0806.jpg)
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n62/erikbeeb/?action=view¤t=MVI_0806.flvWhen it rotates, the alignment (toe) changes. The idler arm is the only thing keeping it from rotating. The tie rod end in the end of it is designed to only spin, not pivot in all directions like a standard ball and socket style TRE (like in the end of the pitman arm). When this joint and/or the frame bushings wear, the center link is allowed to rotate and move up and down, affecting the toe.
Here is a stock idler arm TRE that I've cut apart. This is pretty severe, but you get the idea. I'm not sure where I got this one, but its not the one from my T100 that is probably in better shape. This one must have been REALLY sloppy!
![[Linked Image]](http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/images/idler/IMG_0820.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/images/idler/IMG_0823.jpg)
Anyway, I finally got sick of these things wearing out and broke down and bought a Total Chaos idler. Its got two big roller bearings instead of a tie rod end, and uses bronze bushings at the frame. Its also made of chromoly steel. I don't think I'll be having any idler arm problems any time soon! It cost about twice what a factory idler cost, but should outlast one many times over.
![[Linked Image]](http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/images/idler/IMG_0811.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/images/idler/IMG_0815.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/images/idler/IMG_0817.jpg)
I was going to show a video of this one "not" wobbling, but there was really nothing to see. It just moved smoothly left and right like it should and you couldn't really see anything. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I bought it from Poly Performance...
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/product.php?productid=223Anyway, I wish I'd put this thing in a long time ago. If you haven't yet and you intend to keep your IFS, I highly recommend it!
