How do you take off a idler arm on a 2001Buick Lesbre

replace the idler arm and pivot mount as a unit and make sure that the nut is pinned properly. As it is only an idler arm there should be no need to get a wheel alignment done

There is an idler arm and a pitman arm.
The Pitman connects the steering box to the steering linkage by/through a ball joint. The idler arm should be on the other side by the passenger wheel.

Idler arm and or pitman arm most common.could also be excessive play in steering gear box.Tie rods/center link but usually its my first 2 choices go bad bothe of them idler and pitman common wear parts.

Locate the idler pulley to the left of the crankshaft pulley. The idler pulley bolts to the idler arm. The idler pulley is replaced with the arm because they are sold as one unit.

2 Place a 3/8-inch ratchet driver into the square hole on the face of the idler pulley and pull up on the handle. This releases tension on the Sonoma's serpentine belt. Pull the belt off the idler pulley, lower and remove the ratchet handle.

3 Remove the two bolts that secure the idler arm to the engine block using a socket and ratchet, and discard the old idler arm.

4 Place the new idler arm against the engine block and secure it using the socket and ratchet.

5 Put the ratchet driver into the square hole on the new idler pulley, pull up on the handle and place the serpentine belt over the pulley.

6 Lower and remove the ratchet handle.

pit man arm to steering gear nut 186 ft lbs.

pit man arm to relay rod nut 46 ft lbs.

idler arm to frame nut 73 ft lbs.

idler arm to relay rod nut 46 ft lbs.

The kia rio uses rack and pinion steering, which does not use an idler arm. Did someone tell you you had an idler arm?

For cars that have classical steering designs, the idler arm is a part of the steering linkage that makes the front wheels turn about the same on both sides. Actually, the wheel on the side of the turn turns a little bit more. The idler arm is necessary for the wheels to turn properly. When the joints in the idler arm wear out, the right wheel is allowed to move back and forth on it's own. This causes vinration, excess tire wear, and possibly an unsafe steering condition if the wear is excessive. .

Relay Rod Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Engine protection shield, if equipped
   • Steering damper from the relay rod, if equipped Note: Use the proper tool in order to separate all the tie rods and the ball joints.
     Steering components
     
     
   • Tie rod ends (F) (See: Tie Rod Ends)
   • Idler arm ball stud nut (J) and discard the nut (See: Idler Arm)
   • Pitman arm nut (H) and discard the nut (See: Pitman Arm) Remove the idler arm from the relay rod
     
     
   • Relay rod from the idler arm ball stud using the J24319-B or other suitable puller Remove relay rod from pitman arm ball stud
     
     
   • Relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud using the J24319-B or other suitable puller
   • Relay rod from the vehicle
3. Inspect the threads on the tie rod ends for damage
4. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage
5. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive damage
6. Clean the threads on the ball studs

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Relay rod to the vehicle
   • Relay rod to the pitman arm ball stud
   • Relay rod to the idler arm ball stud and make sure the seal is on the stud
   • New pitman arm prevailing torque nut
   • New idler arm prevailing torque nut and tighten the idler arm and pitman arm nuts; Torque to: 46 ft. lbs. (62 Nm)
   • Tie rod ends
   • Steering dampener to the relay rod, if equipped
   • Engine protection shield, if equipped
2. Lower the vehicle
3. Check the wheel alignment
4. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the repairs

It doesn't have an idler arm. It has rack and pinion steering. Rack and pinion systems don't use idler arms.

The idler arm will be bolted to the passenger side of the frame with 2 bolts. It connects into a tapered hole in the center link, you will need a "pickle fork" tool (a long rod with two prongs, like a fork) and a large hammer, to seperate the centerlink from the idler arm. You'll need to put the fork between the idler arm and the centerlink, and hit it with the hammer until they seperate.

An idler arm is a steering component found on vehicles without rack and pinion steering. Your referring to an idler pulley. To replace: remove the belt, remove the bolt from the center of the pulley, replace the pulley and reinstall the belt.