Recently had the truck in my signature in the shop, Replaced the passenger side idler arm assembly, The remainder of the steering linkageappears 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

Open the engine hood. See that big chunk of iron they call an 8.1? That thing is heavy! Real heavy. Bottom line. big blocks and diesels wear out front end parts very quickly. Some of the "new" parts are not made so well either. A lot of china junk out there.

My first thought is that the curbs are on the right hand side of the truck, but I want to keep it friendly .Keep back from the parking bumper too.Fred.

:) Hi, I can only guess because there are too many variables and I don't know all of the facts. I think the first idler arm was just normally worn out. The second one was probably a low, or lower, quality aftermarket part. Idler arms can also be installed incorrectly.

My 2006 Duramax was a great truck. I put 125K miles on it in 7 years and spent about 4K (including maint.) at the dealer within that time. 80% or more was on front suspension parts. Hubs, pitman arm, idler arm and other things that I can't remember. Those trucks really seam to eat up front suspension parts.

Idler arms wearing out are extremely common, just due to the design of the part. A lot of people say Moog parts last longer than stock or OEM parts. It would normally not disturb the alignment, but getting alignment check is cheap insurance for your tires. It's an easy part to change, usually two bolts, pop the ball joint and back in.Brian

Truck mechanic opinion... | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 15, 2015
If you don't look or specify you will get junk parts. Most all have two grades of parts. I always go with the "PRO" series. There is a huge difference in quality and also price! If ya want to keep your rig for a long time go quality, if not well you know the answer.
bovellois
Explorer
Feb 27, 2015
BenK wrote:

He is 84 years old, but still drives aggressive...taking freeway off ramps with speed.

Off topic but I could not resist acknowledging this comment. We are living in very different times, surrounded by drivers who grew up with videogames. I tow RVs so I see a lot of vehicles in one day on 401 in Ontario and I-69 or I-94 in Michigan. I can hardly believe some of the driving behaviors. Many drivers are oblivious to signs and hazards, tailgating and switching lanes abruptly has become second nature to them. Their mind is somewhere but not on the road, it's scary.
bovellois
Explorer
Feb 27, 2015
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Well when I run my truck at 200 MPH on a dead flat surface with no mud, no water, no dirt or any other contaminant

Ok you are on the Bonneville Salt Flats. What do you make of the salt? Isn't that a contaminant? ;-)

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