Truck mechanic opinion...

cdlaine wrote:
Recently had the truck in my signature in the shop, Replaced the
passenger side idler arm assembly, The remainder of the steering linkage
appears healthy, intact. My question...I don't off road , reasonable tire alignment intervals, keep the zerks lubed...
this is the second time in 5 years I've replaced the passenger side idler arm.... what is causing this ?
Costs... parts100.00, labor 192.00 , toe and camber adjustment 119.00.

Am I getting skint? What can I do to prevent a repeat ?

To be honest... I had not noticed any performance/driving issues... just assumed it was a "truck".

Thanks , Charles

Well first of all that part is more than adequate for the weight of the engine. The engine alone is NOT a factor.

What is more likely is that all roads are humped in the center and tend to "lean" to the outside. Long distance driving with added weight of your trailer means your truck is slightly leaning to the passenger side putting more weight and strain on that side. This does have the tendency to wear front end parts on the passenger side first. Look at that sides front tires very carefully and use a gauge to measure the tread from the outside of the tire to the inside (each tread) note the differences. The tires should wear out on that side more too..but maybe not enough to see with the naked eye at first glance.

However for the above to really make a difference we would be talking a fair amount of miles which you dont mention. I am not sure that the aftermarket parts are substantially any better than the OEM. I'd have to see the specs...Material, manufacturing, size, etc to make a judgment on that.