[Guest]

I went to NTB today to get tires for "the cruiser", the tech told me to wait on an alignment becuase I need a new idler arm, center link, and my tie rods should probably be changed as well.
well I dont know all that much about cars to begin with, so seeing that I'm no grease monkey, I have some questions...becuase really I don t know jack about the steering or suspension and crap so....
1)what the hell is an idler arm, whats it do...also, I hear some buzz on the Moog idler arm, how much and is it worth it?

2)how much should all that stuff run me? any clue?

thanks guys
-rock-
Dan

 

[Guest]

Welcome to the Forum, Dan. The first thing I would suggest, is for you to respect your Suspension/Front End & Braking Systems. They safely get you where you are going & back. Many hours of engineering have gone into them. Respect leads to easier learning. That said, if I was a novice about car mechanical issues and,"really wanted to learn", I'd get down to the local library & read about the basic operation of the different systems, all automobiles have. I'd also look to befriend someone who is a patient Gearhead(better then library).Also, keep asking questions on this Forum(w/respect until you are knowledgable...then when sh!t happens, then you can go off>lol< ). Over time you will realize there is a treasure troth of TIME & MONEY SAVING(and AGGRAVATION) information here. NOW lets try some answers 1)The Idler Arm in your car keeps the end of the Center Link(oposite from Pitman Arm) supported and moving freely. Yes, do put the Moog# K6187T Arm on your car, as the stock arm is crap(yes, 'I' can say that). Part cost me $25 & installed myself. You, part & labor $80-$100.(2) Centerlink-Moog#DS899(IMO--in my opinion "INSIST" on MOOG Parts for front end part replacement) $150-$200. Tie-Rod Ends-Outer(2 reg.)Moog#ES2019RLT..Inner(2 reg.)Moog#ES2020RLT $175-$240. Alignment $50-$90 (be carefull choosing shop for front end alignment,more half-asses than pros out there, ask,ask,ask,ask around). Good Luck to ya. +=+ Larry '96 9C1

P.S. Get opinions & prices from a few shops. Let them know your shoping.

 

[Guest]

Mr. Cigar is right-on. Finding out the part you need is only a 1/3 of the total repair bill will get most semi-intelligent people's attention real fast on how to do the work themselves, even if you have to ante up a little for the proper tools. Also, invest in an FSM (factory service manual). In the mean time, you might cheat by starting with free help-aids like this.

http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/repair_info/repair_guide/repair_guide.jsp (prayer to link gods)

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

Since you will be replacing so much anyway you may want to consider doing the balljoints as well. I bought AC Delco(improved from original) parts and for the tierod ends(all 4), centerlink, and balljoints(all 4), and a MOOG idlerarm. It is like a new car. I rented a balljoint press from Autozone(cost is only a deposit you get back) and had a ball joint fork(you could rent this too. Be careful when scheduling your alignment most places here wanted $50 plus $12-13 per side if it needed caster or camber adjustment. I figured for that price I would go to the dealer and at least get a ride home instead of sitting in the shop. To my suprize it was $40 at the dealer no mater what needed to be adjusted.

 

[Guest]

What Dwayne said. AC Delco is also quality part. But, get that K6187T Idler Arm(this baby is a must have, Heavy Duty part & make sure you get "T" in that part#--signifies enhanced design) in there. You'll notice big improvement in 'control' going over road irregularities at speed. +=+ Larry '96 9C1

 

[Guest]

That is the idler I have put one on before I got the SS wheels(knew I would need it) and put another one on before the rest of the parts. Everything with a grease fitting is new, and even added a few of those with the swaybar bushings.

 

[Guest]

whoa thanks guys! it really helped me out!! thanks a million!
Dan