Hombre XS Space Cab L4-2.2L CPC (1997)
Idler Arm: Testing and Inspection
1. Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.
2. Allow the front wheels to rotate freely and the steering mechanism freedom to turn.
3. Position the wheels in a straight ahead position.
4. Place a spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm. Exert a 110 Nm (25 ft. lbs.) force upward and then downward while measuring the
total distance the arm moves. The allowable deflection is +/- 3 mm (1/8 inch) in either direction for a total of 6 mm (1/4 inch). Replace the idler
arm if it fails this test.
CAUTION: Jerking the right tire and wheel assembly back and forth, causing an up and down movement of the idler arm, is NOT an acceptable
testing procedure. There is no control on the amount of force being applied to the idler arm.
NOTE: Vehicle shimmy is not always caused by a loose idler arm. Before suspecting suspension or steering components, technicians should
consider areas such as dynamic imbalance, runout, or force variation of tire and wheel assemblies, and road surface irregularities.
