Steering idler arm wear — vague directional control

The steering idler arm wears in its pivot bearing introducing play into the steering system. Idler arm wear is often missed and the symptom is vague steering that cannot be cured by steering box adjustment.

• Vague steering
• car wanders
• steering box adjustment does not cure problem
• more play on one lock

• Worn idler arm pivot bearing
• worn idler arm bush

With front wheels on ground, have assistant move steering wheel slightly while you watch idler arm — movement before road wheels confirms wear.

Replace idler arm assembly. Set toe after replacement.