GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Idler Arm Replacement RWD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller 

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the idler arm mounting bolt nuts.
  3. Remove the idler arm mounting bolts from the frame.

  4. Object Number: 291239  Size: SH

    Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

  5. Remove the relay rod stud nut.

  6. Object Number: 397352  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the relay rod from the idler arm using J 24319-B .
  8. Remove the idler arm.
  9. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  10. Inspect the ball stud seal for cuts or other damage.
  11. Clean the threads on the ball stud.
  12. Clean the threads on the ball stud nut.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
    • J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)
  1. Position the idler arm on the frame.

  2. Object Number: 291239  Size: SH
  3. Install the idler arm mounting bolts.
  4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the idler arm mounting bolt nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the idler arm mounting bolt nuts to 108 N·m (79 lb ft).

  7. Install the idler arm to the relay rod ball stud.
  8. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.


    Object Number: 240740  Size: SH
  9. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 or J 29194 to 82 N·m (60 lb ft).

  11. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from relay rod stud.
  12. Install the new nut to the relay rod ball stud.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the relay rod ball stud nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.

Idler Arm Replacement 4WD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller 

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 141840  Size: SH
  4. Remove differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
  5. Remove differential carrier shield.

  6. Object Number: 291252  Size: SH
  7. Remove the idler arm mounting bolt nuts.
  8. Remove the idler arm mounting bolts from the frame.
  9. Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

  10. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut.

  11. Object Number: 397363  Size: SH
  12. Disconnect the relay rod from the idler arm using J 24319-B .
  13. Remove the idler arm.
  14. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  15. Inspect the ball stud seal for cuts or other damage.
  16. Clean the threaded ball stud.
  17. Clean the threads on the ball stud nut.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
    • J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)
  1. Position the idler arm on the frame.

  2. Object Number: 291252  Size: SH
  3. Install the idler arm mounting bolts to the frame.
  4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the idler arm mounting bolt nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the idler arm mounting bolt nuts to 108 N·m (79 lb ft).

  7. Install the relay rod to the idler arm ball stud.
  8. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

  9. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  11. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the idler arm ball stud.
  12. Install the new nut to the idler arm ball stud.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the idler arm ball stud nut to 82 N·m (60 lb ft).


    Object Number: 141840  Size: SH
  14. Install differential carrier shield.
  15. Install differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the differential carrier shield mounting bolts to 25 N·m (19 lb ft).

  17. Install steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement .
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.