how safe/unsafe is it to drive if the idler arm is bad?

 

Depends on how bad it is which is something that is hard to quantify over the internet... Suffice to say that if it were to come loose, you could lose control of the truck.

 

mine failed missouri inspection last month because of a bad idler arm and worn ball joints. I had nearly a 1/4" of toe play on the pass side because of it. I would say if yours is that bad, change it.

 

I just recently changed mine. Mine was squeaking loudly when I would turn my wheels in either direction. Wasn't much play in the wheels but it wouldn't have been long before it got really bad.

It isn't a big job, easily done at home.

 

thanks for the info.

 

about a month ago i had a little play in mine so i went ahead and replaced it. its not a hard fix, be glad it aint the pitman arm, those suck

 

I have to do both. I can't wait!

 

WOW thanks for all this great information I really do not know what I would have done had I not found this site I jut found out I have to replace both parts as well today Does $450.00 sounds high for parts and labor??

 

I think each part is about 30 bucks, took me about an hour and a half to do Idler
ARM in my driveway, and this stuff is all new to me. I know the pitman ARM is harder, ties to your steering box, and you need a puller. So maybe 2 and a half hours. So , 4 hours at 80, is 320, plus like 60 / 70 in ,parts brings ,u just under 400 . Maybe my math is off but, just a little high to me

And again, this is all me to me and I'm no pro, but I think I could do both in 4 hours

 

hey forgot to add that price also included alignment as well so what ya think along with idler arm and pitman arm for $450.00 sorry does that sounds like a good price?