Bad idler arm
And I suspect you do know that a hard bearing at that point is going to put a lot higher impact stress there and throughout the steering linkage and into the box too. That is the one point where rubber was used as the shock cushion in the steering system.
Not exactly. The earlier idler arm design had the same ball in cup on both ends, like tie rod ends. When the daily commuter bumped a curb hard enough the ball in cup would loosen and that single attach limb might bend. Toe setting changed again and again.
The later, stronger, bolt through, attach design was relieved by the shock absorbing rubber. It could absorb a curb bump without a major change.
Today the majority of these vehicles aren't daily commuters, driving on icy streets, banging the curbs, etc.., so what changed?
I have to wonder if it is aftermarket part quality that is responsible for more frequent/more rapid idler arm failure or might it be the header heat? or maybe it's the 17 inch wheels and shorter, wider tires many owner throw onto these antiquated steering component designs?
Is rack and pinion steering the ultimate solution? Is the idler arm kit from FirmFeel a more affordable alternative?
I don't seek those answers 'cause I don't have the problems ( my idler arm is just fine ). Just sharing my thoughts.
