Idler Arm

One of the guys in PNWX is talking about getting a CALMINI Idler Arm Brace. What is the fuction of the Idler Arm and why would one want to strenghten this area?

Is this something you would only do with a lifted X or could the problem also happen with a stock one?

Idler arm: A pivot point in a parallelogram steering system that follows the motions of the pitman arm. A worn idler arm bushing typically causes steering wander (looseness) and toe wear.

(I cheated, this comes from about.com or abooot.com as our US friends would have us say)

If you look at this pic, you can imagine the weak point under stress -- that is, at the very bottom there is not much support. The brace adds, um, some bracing at the bottom which hopefully will keep all those parts healthy and happy.

In the end it's because of running with bigger tires over bigger stuff than parking lot speed bumps.

http://www.purenissan.com/P0005745.jpg

Oh and I almost forgot, it comes in that pretty blue color which adds to the LCF.*


*LCF = Look Cool Factor

You could always get the black AC idler arm brace? Like me! Then you'd be cool!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/456190Idlerbrace.JPG

Idler arm: A pivot point in a parallelogram steering system that follows the motions of the pitman arm. A worn idler arm bushing typically causes steering wander (looseness) and toe wear. :uhoh:

Could you repeat that. Well at least Ricks picture gives me a better idea as to where it's located. It sounds like it's good insurance and it comes it blue which is my favorite color:rolleyes: .

Crap I'm going to be busy next weekend.

Rick - is it an easy install?

I have an 02 X and am, for the most part very happy with it. I have noticed that when traveling on the highway above 55mph that the steering seems quite sloppy in the sense that there is a little more play than I am used to (last vehicle was a toyota tacoma). I'm curious if anyone else has noticed this and if anyone that has replaced the idle arm bracket mentioned has noticed any added stability in the steering department.

Thanks

migojoe

Chad! Sorry I let this lapse a whole month! The Ac brace was easy to stall and only took two bolts plus the nut on the idler arm bolt. The AC brace bolts over the idler arm. Jens's CalMini brace required to remove all the bolts and it was laced under the Idler arm brace. We installed his EOE Stering stabilizer at the same time so it was pretty straight forward. Idon't know if you need an alignment afterward, but it might be necessary with the Calmini because you are moving it a 1/4" from where it origiannly was.

On a side note...I installed the SLR idler arm brace yesterday. It hits the AC bracket so I had to modify the two of them together. I 'll get pics tonight. The SLR brace clamps to the idler arm it self. I don't think SLR sells it anymore? It's not on their website.

migojoe to answer your question..the brace is to support the steering system from taking any hard jolts and breaking when off roading. Sounds like you may want to talk to your dealer about your "slop".

Personally I like the Moog idler arm better than adding a brace, it's much beefier in it's design...my Nissan idler arm bent so the AC/Calmini brace would not have helped, not sure if the SLR one would have though.

Hopefully you can see where i ground on the two of them? Wish I knew how to add an arrow?
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/171454SLR-AC1.jpg

Here you go... Rick, download this and replace yours, and I'll remove this one.

http://www.xterrain.com/images/171454SLR-AC1.jpg

Thanks Ian/XOC! If I tried that I'd probably screw it up!!! Appreciate your help and that it might help others!

Originally posted by migojoe
I have an 02 X and am, for the most part very happy with it. I have noticed that when traveling on the highway above 55mph that the steering seems quite sloppy in the sense that there is a little more play than I am used to (last vehicle was a toyota tacoma).

The Xterra uses a recirculating ball type steering setup while I believe the Tacoma uses a rack and pinion setup. The recirculating ball system is not quite as responsive.

In this scenario the idler arm brace will not help you. If you wheel your Xterra, than you may want to consider one since it will strengthen the idler arm, a notoriously weak part of the nissan steering system.

Originally posted by rrdstarr
I don't know if you need an alignment afterward, but it might be necessary with the Calmini because you are moving it a 1/4" from where it origiannly was.


After I installed the Calmini brace I noticed my steering wheel is slightly offcenter, but the truck tracks straight on flat ground and doesn't pull to either side. I'm installing the SLR Stage III lift in the next couple weeks and will have the alignment done after that.

Rick - thanks for the info. I will probably enlist the indomitable SuperJens to help me out with slapping one on my green machine. My mod-money has been going into the "WRX fund" as of late.


Cheers