Ider Arm

[hagglerock]

I have a 2002 1500 4WD Suburban, 60 k miles. There is a shake in the steering column. The dealer says the idler arm is "loose" and that is the culprit. I have layed under the vehical while the steering is moved back and forth and there is no noticable movement in the arm.
Is there a way to inspect the arm? what amount of movement is acceptable? Should I be able to visibly see a defective amount or will I need an idicator set up to measure?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by hagglerock

I have a 2002 1500 4WD Suburban, 60 k miles. There is a shake in the steering column. The dealer says the idler arm is "loose" and that is the culprit. I have layed under the vehical while the steering is moved back and forth and there is no noticable movement in the arm.
Is there a way to inspect the arm? what amount of movement is acceptable? Should I be able to visibly see a defective amount or will I need an idicator set up to measure?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Grab the idler arm and move it up and down when unloaded, no more than 3/16 is normal at the point the arm attaches to the centerlink.

[hagglerock]

Thanks for the reply.

By unloaded doe you mean I should jack up the front end and have all the load off the front suspension?