How do you change an idler arm on a 2002 silverado?

Answer 1

Jack the front of the truck up high enough to put a good set of jack stands under the frame rails.It helps to have a impact gun for this job.
Loosen and remove the nut holding the idler arm to the steering bar.This comes off fairly easy and can also be easily accessed.
There are two bolts holding the idler arm assembly onto a bracket on the frame.Remove the bolts and the nuts.
Next you need to get the stud on the end of the idler arm that you removed the nut from out of the steering link.Quickest way to do this is with a i/2inch round punch and a hammer.Two good whacks on the stud with the punch and it will come loose.Now you can take the whole idler assembly down and out of the truck.Remove the large nut you see on the arm.The idler arm is press fitted to the top of the assembly,you probably only need to change the actual arm so you must remove it from the upper lubricating assembly.You can use a wedge fork but you will probably tear the seals on the part you are keeping.Two could whacks with a hammer (though not the preferred method,most do it your selfers don't have the specialty tool) will dislodge the arm. Replace with the new arm,torque the new nut down in the new arm to about 90 lbs per foot to seat the new arm and secure it .Install the grease fitting and lubricate it.Now simply reverse the removal procedures and repalce everything exactly where it came from.Install a cotter pin below the new nut on the stud and make sure you lubricate all grease fittings.Thats it.Takes less an hour if you have decent tools and ability.