I have a 2005 GMC Duramax crew cab. I had the pitman arm, idler arm and the inner tie rod ends replaced in July 2009 when I purchased a set of new tires. Now, a year later, I had another shop advise me that idler arm is loose. Quote is $526.00.... OUCH! It is hard whether I was screwed the first time or yet to be with the current quote. Can anyone tell me whether these parts and subsequent repair are that problematic...even after 12 months? Thank you, Nels

SOURCE: Need pitman arm replaced and idler arm replaced

The idler isn't bad, Remove cotter pin going through the nut, take off nut, you need a seperator tool to pull apart the arm from the center link, once that is done, remove the two bolts holding it to the frame, remove arm, installation is just reverse.
The pitman arm is a little more to it. Do the same, remove cotter pin, take off nut, and seperate it from the rod, now there is big nut holding it on to the bottom of the steering box, take that nut off (some are a real pain), you will need a pitman arm puller to get it off. Note the position of the arm, need to put new one in same place, pull it off slow, sometimes seals will come with it, put seals back in same way, if they come out. Put some grease on splined shaft, tap new arm on until you can get nut on, tighten up with nut. Hopefully you have any problems. Good luck.

SOURCE: replace idler arm/pitman arm

Don't worry it is not too hard if you keep at. One "special tool" that you will need is a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint on the idler arm from the steering. When changing make sure to compare your replacement parts with the original and if necessary make a diagram of how things go together. On the bottom, there is a castle nut and a cotter pin. Remove the pin and loosen the nut then use the ball joint separator to remove the idler arm. (This is the hardest part of the job.) Then remove the remaining bolts and take the part off. Before putting the new idler arm make sure that you put the new grease fitting on it (and go ahead and squirt a little grease in it even though it already has some) and in between the new ball joint and the steering there should be a plastic bearing that slips into place. It's a pretty straight forward job and once you take a good look at it you will see what all needs to be done. Hope this helps, let me know how it goes. Goodluck!

SOURCE: Had the Pitman arm and idler Arm replaced

I have had both the Pitman and Idler Arms,seize almost the same day, on a veh still under warrantee.
I have also replaced many over 45 years,just as general maintenance,before they caused,tire wear or worse. So no big deal!

The other issues will be solved,most likely, by removing the steering wheel and replacing the Clock Spring. Then the air bag will be happy and your wheel buttons,computer and radio, can once again,communicate and work properly.

Follow the proper proceedure in disarming the air bag,so you don't get hurt!!

Testimonial: "Thanks for your help..Hopefully they will fix it."

SOURCE: idler arm LF,idler bracket LF,pitman arm LF,tie

you will need a pitman arm puller, tie rod separator and a good set sockets(6 point preffered)and some penetrating oil, measure all distances between points before removal,and get the vehicle aligned

SOURCE: Need the torque specs for the nuts on the pitman

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.