04 silverado idler arm

[ryba85]

Has anybody had the idler arm replaced on an 04 silverado? What does it cost to have done or is it easy to do myself? I have moderate knowledge but I'm not sure about that.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ryba85

Has anybody had the idler arm replaced on an 04 silverado? What does it cost to have done or is it easy to do myself? I have moderate knowledge but I'm not sure about that.

i have done alot of front end part replacing on many gm vehicles but not the idler arm on a silverado you will need a tool to remove defective part from center link and a large wrench to unbolt from frame not too hard a job. i was wondering why this is defective as my idler arms are still very good . i did replace a tie rod inner on this vehicle it was because the rubber boot lost its seal. it is fairly easy to do. also have both wheels off ground and usually the alignment will change. if your FE has grease fittings give them a hit every 6months especially before cold hits do not grease fittings in very cold temps..........

[ryba85]

Thanks for the info.
I had new tires put on in November and they said that the idler arm needed ot be replaced. I've looked at it and i'm unsure why. I'll probably just have someone do it. I do get free lifetime alignments so they said just bring it back.

[gremlin96]

i would think the shop is trying to make a few bucks. take it to a nother shop and have them check it.

i had a car the guy at the shop i took it to wanted the car. he told me it was going to take $800 dollers to do the alinement. he then asked if i was thinking of selling the car or letting him fix it. told him i would think about it. took the car strate to a nother shop. one tie rod later and i was all set. cost 75 bucks. I then went back to the shop and talked to the owner. since i did have a copy of his estament and the repair bill from the other shop. needless to say. the mech got a good chewing out. he did not last long there.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ryba85

Thanks for the info.
I had new tires put on in November and they said that the idler arm needed ot be replaced. I've looked at it and i'm unsure why. I'll probably just have someone do it. I do get free lifetime alignments so they said just bring it back.

if you looked at idler arm does it go up on down more than 1/8 inch when pull /push on tire ? if the movement is slight this is normal. the idler arms on pre1999 chev trucks are a known high failure item. not your truck..........keep an eye on those inner tie rods bad boot seal design.......

[bigbadram51]

if you replace your idler arm. Might want to replace your pitman arm at the same time. One thing you can add is Cognito Motorsports Idler Arm brace... Strengthens the part makes it last longer
http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/pisk6.html

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by bigbadram51

if you replace your idler arm. Might want to replace your pitman arm at the same time. One thing you can add is Cognito Motorsports Idler Arm brace... Strengthens the part makes it last longer
http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/pisk6.html

i read the instructions on install, and when the relocation of the swaybar was required it caused me concerns over this requirement. also the eye bolts used look very cheap low quality. the cost for this design is excessive for parts required.....

[bigbadram51]

Originally Posted by j cAT

i read the instructions on install, and when the relocation of the swaybar was required it caused me concerns over this requirement. also the eye bolts used look very cheap low quality. the cost for this design is excessive for parts required.....

As for quality of parts. it would be news to me that Cognito used inferior parts... My idler/pitman arm are in great shape after 45k or factory suspension and now over 45k more with heavy 35's and 20" wheels on it.