Problem removing Idler Arms

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:28 pm

Here is the problem. I loosened the nut attaching the idler and popped it loose, but now I can't get the nut the rest of the way off. The stud keeps spinning. Nor can I tighten it, same problem. I have tried to get it to seated again so I could loosen it all the way, but no success so far. Any suggestions?

ihatemybike · Post by **ihatemybike** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:51 pm

Big channel locks and squeeze, tighten the nut back down. Remove nut completely, then separate.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:03 pm

I tried that. The nut will not tighten or loosen. Of course I needed to get this done tonight. I suspect that is why it went wrong. If I had days and days, it would have been done in a few hours.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:13 pm

A friend of mine suggested using my impact wrench. That got it moving, but I couldn't get the bolts out of the frame, so I soaked them in release-all and will see another day.

While I was under there I need an alignment as there is some pretty nasty wear on the inside of the front tires.

SoCalli V8 · Post by **SoCalli V8** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:34 pm

When you brake them loose, Make Sure that you Always fit Moog replacements, Because Anything else is just a cheap replacement that will Not last.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:15 am

Yes, they are Moog. I purchased them last fall and then being busy and health issues kept me from getting them on. Now the weather it better. My health is better, and I figure it is time to get them on.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 7:29 am

The frame bolts on that same Idler arm are quite rusty. I have been soaking them in Release-All, but they still don't want to budge.

Edit:

Time and penetrating oil did it, alone with the pipe from my floor jack over the breaker bar I was using. I got it to budge a little, then the impact wrench got it turning. I took it out about a 1/4 inch and hit the threads with penetrating oil as it was still very tight (I could only move it with the breaker bar not the ratchet) I will give it a bit of time, then take them the rest of the way out.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:22 pm

Got it done. Man, that idler was worn. I wonder if the other one was replaced while this one was left on, it certainly was much more rusted and nasty looking when I pulled it. Now to the other things on my list, but first an alignment.

Astro1 · Post by **Astro1** » Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:17 pm

I'm just tackling this job, what size bolt is on there.? I tried 17mm & 19mm, then 11/16 & 3/4.

Nothing fits!?

sfeaver · Post by **sfeaver** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 7:16 am

18mm I believe..

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Problem removing Idler Arms

Problem removing Idler Arms

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