Idler Arm

I was wondering if anyone knows of a easy way to break the idler away from the main steering rod?

A 2 jaw pulley is the only way and when it pops still startles you - wear gloves. Most auto stores have free loaner.

A ball joint separator, commonly known as a pickle fork, works well too. Couple of smacks with a hammer and it's off.

A ball joint separator, commonly known as a pickle fork, works well too. Couple of smacks with a hammer and it's off.I have a pickle fork but its to hard to hit without ripping the entire steering apart. Just no room. I also have a puller but its to small its for a pitman arm. I guess ill check around and try to find a bigger puller Thanks

I just replaced the idler arm on my truck. I loaned every puller that Autozone had and none of them worked.

I ended up using the picklefork loaner. I used a large, heavy hammer and it took probably 10 minutes of heavy hitting before it separated. It was a PITA. I had more leverage and access with the right-front tire off.




I was wondering if anyone knows of a easy way to break the idler away from the main steering rod?

I just replaced the idler arm on my truck. I loaned every puller that Autozone had and none of them worked.

I ended up using the picklefork loaner. I used a large, heavy hammer and it took probably 10 minutes of heavy hitting before it separated. It was a PITA. I had more leverage and access with the right-front tire off.Thanks, sounds like the problems i was having. I gave up because it started snowing . I give it a shot this weekend and let you know how it went. The right front tire off might make the difference because ther was no room with it on. O yea , just passed some soccer mom stuck in the snow in a hummer ! haha

Use the pickle fork before unbolting the idler from the frame.

When you put the new idler arm on try to place it on the frame as near as possible to where the old one bolted on, (mark an outline around the old one before removal) otherwise this will change your toe-in. You need to have toe-in checked after replacement of idler.

I tried a pickle fork...didn't work, pitman arm puller...too small, then a 2 jaw puller I borrowed from work...that did the trick.

I tried a pickle fork...didn't work, pitman arm puller...too small, then a 2 jaw puller I borrowed from work...that did the trick.i got the pickle fork to work with tire off. Only took about ten hits and it poped . Thanks